By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, naming several high-profile political figures, including former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.
The list, transmitted to the upper chamber on Friday, marks one of the president’s most politically significant diplomatic nominations since taking office. It includes a mix of former governors, ex-ministers, career diplomats, and political loyalists expected to represent Nigeria in various countries.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s communication during plenary, confirming that the nominees were being presented in accordance with Section 171 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the president to appoint ambassadors subject to Senate approval.
While the full list has not yet been debated on the Senate floor, the nominations are already generating reactions within political circles due to the prominence of some appointees—especially Fani-Kayode, a former PDP chieftain who became a key ally of the ruling APC.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to screen the nominees in the coming days before forwarding its recommendations to the full chamber for confirmation.
The ambassadorial postings will form a crucial part of Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda as his administration seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and rebuild relations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
More details are expected as the Senate begins the confirmation process.
