President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees will undergo intense scrutiny next week as the Senate begins a rigorous confirmation process.
Three opposition senators, who spoke anonymously, said the screening would not be “business as usual,” stressing the need for competent, patriotic individuals who can effectively represent Nigeria abroad. One ranking senator noted that ambassadorial roles “are not political rewards” and must be filled by persons of integrity capable of defending Nigeria’s interests globally.
Another senator added that nominees would be thoroughly tested to ensure they are “fit for purpose.”
On Thursday, the Senate received the President’s request to confirm 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners alongside 31 non-career nominees, one of the administration’s largest diplomatic submissions so far. This came less than 24 hours after senators began screening an earlier batch of three nominees.
In his letter citing Section 171 of the Constitution, President Tinubu urged the Senate to confirm the candidates “expeditiously.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs with a one-week deadline.
The earlier trio—Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke—faced the committee on Wednesday. Committee Chairman Senator Sani Bello disclosed that Oke used the session to address allegations previously raised against him. Their report will soon be submitted to the full Senate.
The phased submissions by the Presidency appear aimed at fast-tracking the filling of key diplomatic positions before a major overhaul of Nigeria’s foreign missions.
A Two-Year Diplomatic Gap
The delay in sending ambassadorial nominations had drawn criticism, with many warning that Nigeria’s diplomatic presence had weakened. Government officials said many embassies were in disrepair, prompting the allocation of ₦53bn in the 2024 budget for renovations. However, experts estimate nearly $1bn is required to fully restore Nigeria’s 109 missions.
Analysts caution that prolonged gaps in ambassadorial appointments undermine Nigeria’s influence abroad, weaken consular protection for citizens, and may expose the country to security risks.
The fresh list of 65 nominees is therefore seen as a major step toward restoring Nigeria’s global diplomatic footprint.
Atiku Faults Nomination of Former INEC Chair
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the nomination of immediate past INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu as a non-career ambassador. In a statement on his X handle, Atiku said he would never appoint a former INEC chair to such a role, arguing it creates “terrible optics” and could be perceived as a reward for the conduct of the controversial 2023 elections.
He warned that the move risks undermining public trust and sends the wrong message to electoral umpires. Yakubu’s nomination has sparked debate because his tenure ended only weeks ago.
Atiku maintained that the appointment was “morally indefensible” and could damage efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
With the Senate preparing for a demanding week of screenings, all eyes are now on the Foreign Affairs Committee as Nigeria seeks to rebuild its diplomatic machinery and restore confidence in its international representation.
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2025-12-05
