Tinubu assigns Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Dambazau, others to key diplomatic posts
President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to diplomatic missions across the globe, assigning several prominent political figures and career diplomats to represent Nigeria in strategic countries and international organisations.
The postings, announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, mark one of the most extensive diplomatic reshuffles in recent years as the Federal Government moves to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign representation.
Among the high-profile political appointees included in the list are former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, who has been assigned to Germany, and presidential aide Reno Omokri, who will serve in Mexico.
Tinubu ambassador postings reshape Nigeria’s diplomatic missions
The latest Tinubu ambassador postings involve a mix of career diplomats and political appointees, reflecting what government officials describe as a strategic effort to combine diplomatic experience with political representation.
According to the statement issued by Onanuga, the President approved 34 non-career ambassadors and 31 career ambassadors for deployment to various diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions and Nigeria’s permanent missions abroad.
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Katsina State Governor, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has been posted to Beijing, China, while businessman and senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been designated as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Other notable appointments include former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to Spain, former Minister of Health Isaac Adewole to Canada, and former presidential aide Ita Enang to South Africa.
In the same list, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayodele Oke, was assigned to France, while former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro will represent Nigeria in Australia.
Several other political figures and professionals were also included in the Tinubu ambassador postings, covering diplomatic missions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Career diplomats also deployed to strategic countries
Alongside political appointees, the Tinubu ambassador postings include experienced diplomats drawn from the Nigerian Foreign Service.
Officials say the inclusion of career ambassadors is intended to ensure professional continuity in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
Among those deployed are Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ambassador Shehu Barde to Ghana, and Ambassador Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia.
Other career diplomats include Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya, Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo to Belgium, and Ambassador Akande Wahab to Switzerland.
Additional postings involve diplomatic missions in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, India, Senegal, and the Netherlands, among others.
The Federal Government noted that Nigeria maintains diplomatic representation in more than 100 countries, with embassies and high commissions playing key roles in advancing bilateral relations, trade, and security cooperation.
Officials believe the new Tinubu ambassador postings will help strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint and deepen international partnerships.
Agrément process underway for envoys
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun the process of securing agrément from host countries for the newly designated envoys.
Agrément refers to the formal approval granted by a receiving country before a foreign diplomat can assume duties as ambassador.
According to the Presidency, the United Kingdom has already granted agrément for High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayodele Oke.
The ministry has also transmitted requests for agrément for the remaining envoys to their respective host countries.
Diplomatic experts note that the approval process is a key stage in the appointment of ambassadors and ensures that host countries formally accept the nominated representatives.
Induction programme to prepare envoys
President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organise an induction programme for all ambassadors-designate ahead of their deployment.
The orientation programme is expected to familiarise the envoys with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and diplomatic protocols before they assume office.
The Senate had earlier confirmed the 65 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025 after screening them through the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Observers say the Tinubu ambassador postings come after several years during which many Nigerian missions abroad operated without substantive ambassadors.
The last major diplomatic deployment occurred in 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Analysts believe the new postings could help revitalise Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement globally, particularly in areas of trade, security cooperation, and economic diplomacy.
Once the agrément process and induction programme are completed, the ambassadors-designate are expected to proceed to their respective missions and formally assume duties representing Nigeria.
