The Senate on Thursday gave approval to 64 ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which stated that all nominees were thoroughly screened and found fit for diplomatic appointments.
This latest exercise came two days after the Senate confirmed three non-career ambassadors — Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke from Oyo State — bringing the total number of approved nominees to 67.
Among those cleared were former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Special Adviser on New Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri; former presidential aide, Ita Enang; and ex-senator, Grace Bent.
Also on the list were former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
Altogether, the confirmed nominees comprise 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners, alongside 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.
While presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), disclosed that none of the nominees had petitions filed against them and that they were cleared based on competence, experience, and conduct.
READ ALSO:
- “Funke Called And Yelled At Me Not To Mention Her Name In Interviews” – Kunle Afolayan (Video)
- Nigerian Singer Nanyah Dies After Snake Bite As Abuja Hospitals Lack Anti-Venom
- Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After State Visit to Turkey
- Police Arrest Seven Suspects Over Oyo National Park Attack
- LAWMA Arrests Cart Pushers for Illegal Waste Dumping Along Lagos–Badagry Expressway
Congratulating the appointees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged them to uphold Nigeria’s image and serve the country diligently in their various diplomatic assignments.
The confirmation came amid earlier social media claims alleging that petitions had been submitted against some nominees, including Fani-Kayode and Omokri — allegations the Senate firmly dismissed.
Addressing the issue, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, told PUNCH Online, “I am telling you that we didn’t receive petitions from anybody, organisation, or legal entity. Not even from any faceless, outlawed, and rogue element. There was no petition against any nominee.”
He stressed that the screening process involved extensive engagement with the nominees, rejecting claims that it was a mere formality.
President Tinubu had forwarded an expanded list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on December 4, aiming to fill long-standing vacancies in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.
The move followed months of delay after Nigeria recalled all its ambassadors in 2023, a development that sparked concerns over the country’s diplomatic presence abroad.
With the Senate’s approval now concluded, the newly confirmed ambassadors are expected to assume postings in key global capitals and international organisations in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.