Senate Approves 64 Ambassadors to Reposition Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
The Senate on Thursday approved the appointment of 64 ambassadorial nominees, comprising 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career envoys, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and global visibility.
The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during plenary, with lawmakers sitting as a Committee of the Whole to screen the nominees.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded the list to the upper chamber in a letter read on December 4, marking a key step in his administration’s drive to revitalise Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and International outreach.
Presenting the committee’s findings, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Sani Bello, said the nominees displayed a strong grasp of diplomacy, International relations and Nigeria’s strategic priorities. He added that their credentials and performance during screening showed readiness to effectively project Nigeria’s interests abroad.
The confirmed career ambassadors are drawn from the Nation’s foreign service and include seasoned diplomats such as Ambassador Nwaobiala Chukwuemeka (Abia), Ambassador Ahmed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos), and Ambassador Danladi Yakubu Nyaku (Taraba).
The committee noted that their appointments would ensure Institutional continuity and professionalism in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, while strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The non-career ambassadors feature a diverse mix of Politicians, Retired Senior Military Officers, Academics and experienced Public Servants.
Among those confirmed are former Senator Grace Bent (Adamawa), former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, retired Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Kano), and former Minister of Aviation, Olufemi Fani-Kayode (Osun).
According to lawmakers, the combination of career and non-career envoys reflects a strategic approach aimed at blending technical diplomatic expertise with political and administrative experience to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
With the confirmation process concluded, the Federal Government is expected to begin the deployment of ambassadors to key embassies and missions around the world, many of which have been without substantive heads.
Analysts say the move will enhance Nigeria’s participation in International Diplomacy, boost trade and investment negotiations, and deepen bilateral relations, in line with President Tinubu’s broader vision of projecting Nigeria as a credible and influential global player.
