By Hyacinth Nwafor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of a fresh batch of Nigerian envoys across key global missions, in a sweeping diplomatic shake-up that will see 31 career ambassadors and 34 non-career ambassadors represent the country in strategic capitals and multilateral institutions worldwide.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the ambassadors-designate were earlier confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025.
According to the presidency, the new postings form part of a broader effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, deepen bilateral cooperation and reposition the country’s global presence through a mix of seasoned diplomats and politically appointed envoys.
Among the prominent non-career appointments is former Senate President pro tempore Ita Enang, who will serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, while media commentator Reno Omokri has been posted to Mexico.
Former Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole is heading to Canada, while former presidential aspirant Femi Fani‑Kayode has been designated as ambassador to Germany. Businessman and politician Jimoh Ibrahim will represent Nigeria as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
In another key deployment, former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau has been assigned to China, while Senator Grace Bent will serve in Togo and former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu heads to Spain.
The list also features experienced technocrats and diplomats within the career cadre, including Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwuemeka to Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria and Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt.
Other career diplomats have been strategically positioned across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including postings to Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Malaysia, Iran, India, Belgium, Switzerland and Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) confirmed that agrément, the formal diplomatic approval required from host nations, has already been received from the United Kingdom for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu and from France for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The ministry added that requests for agrément have been dispatched to all other host countries in line with established diplomatic protocols, while President Tinubu has directed that an immediate induction programme be organised to prepare the ambassadors-designate for their assignments abroad.