President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step toward filling Nigeria’s long-vacant diplomatic posts, forwarding a shortlist of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed the development during Wednesday’s plenary, announcing the names included in the President’s letter: Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke. The nominees constitute the first batch of diplomatic appointments under the Tinubu administration.
After reading the letter, Akpabio noted that more names are expected. “The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow,” he told lawmakers.
The move marks the beginning of long-awaited action on ambassadorial postings. Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has not appointed any ambassadors, a delay that has generated criticism from analysts and foreign policy observers who say Nigeria urgently needs representation in key global capitals.
The transmission of the nominees, therefore, signals the start of a broader diplomatic repositioning as the administration moves to strengthen its foreign engagements.
