By Adesakin Adefemi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to various countries and the United Nations, with former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode assigned to Germany and presidential aide Reno Omokri to Mexico, in a move seen as a strategic strengthening of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the postings on Thursday, stating that 34 non-career and 31 career ambassadors have been assigned to their duty posts, marking a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s diplomatic team.
Among the high-profile non-career appointees, former Katsina State Governor Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau will serve in Beijing (China), while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been designated as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a key posting that underscores Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s global presence.
Other prominent postings include Senator Ita Enang (South Africa), former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Spain), former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Adewole (Canada), and Lateef Kayode Are (United States), all of whom are expected to leverage their experience and networks to promote Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Senator Grace Bent will serve in Lomé (Togo), while former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been posted to Athens (Greece), a move seen as a boost to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts in the region.
Aminu Dalhatu, a close associate of the President, will serve as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, while Ayodele Oke, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, will serve in France, a key posting that reflects Tinubu’s emphasis on strengthening Nigeria’s security and intelligence cooperation.
The appointments are part of Tinubu’s efforts to revamp his administration and inject fresh energy into his team, as he prepares for the challenges ahead, including the 2027 elections and the ongoing economic reforms.
The ambassadors-designate are expected to assume their duties after completing an induction programme and receiving agrément from their host countries, a process that is expected to be expedited given the urgency of Nigeria’s diplomatic needs.
The Senate confirmed all 65 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025 following their screening by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, a process that was widely seen as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The postings include a mix of political appointees, known as non-career ambassadors, and professional diplomats from the Foreign Service, classified as career ambassadors, a balance that is expected to bring a blend of experience and fresh perspectives to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts.
Nigeria maintains diplomatic missions in over 100 countries worldwide, with embassies, high commissions, and consulates serving as the country’s representatives in bilateral and multilateral engagements, and the new postings are expected to further enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint.
The last major ambassadorial postings were made in 2017 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, leaving many Nigerian missions without substantive ambassadors for extended periods, and the current postings are seen as a welcome development that will help to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu, while France has sent agrément for Ambassador Ayodele Oke, a sign that the international community is eager to engage with Nigeria’s new diplomatic team.
The President has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence an induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners, which is expected to include training on diplomatic protocol, international law, and Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
