In a significant update to Nigeria's foreign policy, President Tinubu has assigned 65 ambassadors-designate to their respective host countries.
This diverse list features former governors, senators, and seasoned diplomats ready to represent the "Giant of Africa" abroad.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while Ita Enang moves to South Africa.
High-level assignments include Canada (Prof. Isaac Adewole), France (Ayodele Oke), and the United States (Lateef Kayode Are).
The list balances 34 political appointees (non-career) with 31 professional diplomats (career) to ensure a mix of political vision and administrative expertise.
Most countries have already been notified. The UK and France have already officially accepted (granted agréement) their respective Nigerian high commissioners.
The Political & Non-Career Envoys
These are the 34 individuals selected from the public and political sectors:
Europe: Femi Fani-Kayode (Germany), Ayodele Oke (France), Victor Ikpeazu (Spain), Barr. Chioma Ohakim (Poland), Mrs. Erelu Angela Adebayo (Portugal), Mrs. Lola Akande (Sweden), Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Austria), Barr. Onueze Okocha (Ireland), Engr. Abasi Braimah (Hungary).
The Americas: Reno Omokri (Mexico), Lateef Kayode Are (USA), Barr. Muhammed Aliyu (Argentina), Jerry Samuel Manwe (Trinidad and Tobago).
Asia & Middle East: Lt. Gen. A. Dambazau (China), Mahmud Yakubu (Qatar), Yakubu N. Gambo (Saudi Arabia), Barr. Olumilua Ayotunwa (Japan), Senator Nora Daduut (South Korea).
Africa: Senator Grace Bent (Togo), Senator Ita Enang (South Africa), Tasiu Musa Maigari (Gambia).
Global & Religious Hubs: Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (United Nations), Paul Oga Adikwu (Vatican City).
Oceania: Olufemi Pedro (Australia).
The Career Diplomats
These are the 31 professional foreign service officers:
West & Central Africa: Nwabiola Ezenwa (Côte d’Ivoire), Besto Maimuna (Niger), Monica Enebichi (São Tomé), Endoni Paebi (Burkina Faso), Chima Geoffrey (Mali), Yvonne Odumah (Equatorial Guinea), Ibrahim Mopelola (Benin Republic), Luther Ayo-Kalata (Sierra Leone).
North & East Africa: Ahmed Monguno (Egypt), Mohammed Lele (Algeria), Shehu Barde (Ghana), Aminu Nasir (Ethiopia), Abdussalam Zayyad (Senegal), Ibrahim Danlami (Kenya), Esther Arewa (Namibia).
Europe & Asia: Haidara Idris (Netherlands), Wahab Akande (Switzerland), Ayeni Emmanuel (Belgium), Ruben Samuel (Italy), Muhammad Dahiru (India), Sulu Gambari Ahmed (Malaysia), Bello Haliru (Thailand).
Algeria: Amb. Mohammed Mahmud Lele
Argentina: Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu
Australia: Olufemi Pedro
Austria: Fatima Florence Ajimobi
Belgium: Amb. Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel
Canada: Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole
China: Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.)
Egypt: Ahmed Mohammed Monguno
France: Ayodele Oke
Germany: Femi Fani-Kayode
India: Amb. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru
Israel: Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu
Italy: Ruben Abimbola Samuel
Japan: Barr. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa
Mexico: Reno Omokri
Russia: Amb. Joseph Sola Iji
Saudi Arabia: Yakubu N. Gambo
South Africa: Senator Ita Enang
United Kingdom: Aminu Dalhatu
United Nations (NY): Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
United States: Lateef Kayode Are
Vatican City: Paul Oga Adikwu
