President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions around the world, marking the most extensive ambassadorial reshuffle in nearly a decade.
The announcement was made Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to him, the postings include 34 non-career ambassadors and 31 career diplomats who will represent Nigeria in key international capitals and multilateral institutions.
Among the most notable appointments are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, posted to Germany, and presidential aide Reno Omokri, assigned to Mexico.
The ambassadorial deployment signals a renewed effort by the Nigerian government to strengthen diplomatic presence after several missions operated without substantive ambassadors for years.
High-Profile Political Appointees
Several prominent political figures and former public office holders were included among the non-career envoys.
Former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to China, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been designated as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Other notable postings include:
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Senator Ita Enang — South Africa
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Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu — Spain
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Former Health Minister Isaac Adewole — Canada
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Former intelligence chief Ayodele Oke — France
Former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was posted to Greece, while Senator Grace Bent will represent Nigeria in Togo.
Strategic Diplomatic Missions
Some assignments reflect Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities in major global capitals.
Aminu Dalhatu will serve as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, while Lateef Kayode Are has been assigned to the United States.
Other key non-career diplomatic postings include:
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Fatima Ajimobi — Austria
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Lola Akande — Sweden
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Joe-Kyari Okocha — Ireland
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas — Philippines
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Paul Adikwu — Vatican City
Additional appointments place Nigerian representatives in Japan, Poland, Australia, Argentina, Russia, Hungary, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago.
Career Diplomats Also Deployed
Alongside political appointees, the government also assigned experienced foreign service officers to several embassies across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele will head Nigeria’s mission in Algeria, while Ambassador Shehu Barde was posted to Ghana.
Other career diplomats include:
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Ambassador Aminu Nasir — Ethiopia
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Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami — Kenya
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Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo — Belgium
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Ambassador Akande Wahab — Switzerland
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Ambassador Ahmed Monguno — Egypt
Additional career envoys will serve in India, Senegal, Chad, Morocco, Malaysia, Tanzania, Botswana, Iran, and Benin Republic.
Diplomatic Approval Process Underway
According to the presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun the agrément process, which involves obtaining formal acceptance from host governments before diplomats can assume office.
The United Kingdom has already granted agrément for Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved Ayodele Oke’s appointment.
The remaining 62 nominations have been forwarded to their respective host countries for approval.
Agrément is a standard diplomatic requirement confirming that a receiving nation agrees to accept the designated envoy.
Induction Programme for Envoys
President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately organise an induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners.
The training will prepare the envoys for diplomatic responsibilities, including international negotiations, bilateral relations and consular services.
The Nigerian Senate had earlier confirmed the nominees in December 2025 after screening them through its Committee on Foreign Affairs.
First Major Ambassadorial Deployment Since 2017
Nigeria maintains diplomatic missions in more than 100 countries worldwide, including embassies, high commissions and consulates.
However, many missions operated without substantive ambassadors following the last large-scale postings made in 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The latest appointments are therefore expected to revitalise Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and strengthen bilateral relationships with key international partners.
Once the agrément process and induction programme are completed, the ambassadors-designate will proceed to their respective host countries to begin their assignments.
