After long delay, Tinubu sends three ambassadorial nominees to Senate

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has officially forwarded to the Senate a list of three ambassadorial nominees for confirmation, the first such submission since he recalled Nigeria’s entire diplomatic corps nearly two years ago.

The three names submitted by Tinubu are: Kayode Are (from Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (from Jigawa State) and Ayodele Oke.

The move was announced on Wednesday during plenary by Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

Akpabio told senators that “the list contains three names for now,” suggesting that further nominations could follow in due course.

Until now, the country has operated without formally appointed ambassadors, after Tinubu in 2023 recalled both career and non-career envoys, a decision that left Nigeria’s over 100 foreign missions effectively leaderless.

The delayed re-appointment of diplomats has sparked criticism, especially given Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint across multiple continents and the need for active representation abroad.

Observers believe the return of ambassadors could mark a pivot back to active foreign-policy engagement under Tinubu’s administration, a sign that diplomatic missions neglected since the recall may soon be re-staffed.

As the nominees await Senate confirmation, all eyes will be on whether Oke, Dalhatu and Are secure approval swiftly, and whether this signals the beginning of a broader ambassadorial reshuffle after more than 18 months of diplomatic standstill.