The Senate has approved all 64 nominees for career and non-career ambassadorial positions, following the presentation of a report by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
During the plenary session, Senator Sahabi Yau raised concerns over the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State and requested that the President be informed. Senate President assured lawmakers that the current list was not exhaustive and that additional nominations, including representation from Zamfara, are expected.
President Bola Tinubu had forwarded the request for confirmation on December 4, which included 65 nominees—34 career ambassadors and 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners. Three nominees—Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke—had already been confirmed, bringing the total before the Senate to 68.
The list of non-career nominees features several prominent figures, including former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri. Others include Senator Ita Enang, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chioma Ohakim, Bello Danbazau, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.), and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Reactions to the confirmations were mixed. Joe Keshi, former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the inclusion of some nominees, questioning their suitability for diplomatic service. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, also faulted the Senate’s screening process as a “bow and go” exercise.
However, Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, defended the nominations, describing them as the best choices for advancing the interests of the administration and Nigeria, and emphasized that their performance would ultimately determine their success.
