Tinubu Names Reno Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Others as Ambassadors in Major Diplomatic Shake-Up

By Press Release

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of 65 Nigerian ambassadors, including Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Jimoh Ibrahim, to countries across the world and the United Nations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of dozens of Nigerian diplomats to foreign missions across the world, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s international engagement.

The approvals cover 31 non-career ambassadors and 34 career diplomats, all of whom were earlier confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December.

The announcement was made on Friday through a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the presidency, the new ambassadors will represent Nigeria in various strategic countries as well as at the United Nations, where diplomatic engagement remains critical to the country’s foreign policy agenda.

High-Profile Political Figures Among Appointees

Several prominent political figures and former government officials were named among the non-career ambassadorial appointees, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who has been posted to Mexico.

Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode was assigned to Germany, while business magnate and senator Jimoh Ibrahim will represent Nigeria at the United Nations as the country’s Permanent Representative.

Former Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole was designated to head Nigeria’s mission in Canada.

Other notable appointments include former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, who will serve in China, and former presidential aide Ita Enang, who has been posted to South Africa.

The presidency also disclosed that some host countries have already granted agrément, the formal diplomatic approval required before ambassadors can assume duty.

The United Kingdom has approved the appointment of Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu as Nigeria’s High Commissioner in London, while France has given clearance for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already forwarded the names of other nominees to their respective host countries, requesting diplomatic approval in accordance with international practice.

Alongside the political appointees, the administration also deployed 34 career diplomats to various strategic missions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Among them are:

1.Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka – Côte d’Ivoire

2.Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele – Algeria

3.Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno – Egypt

4.Ambassador Jane Adams Michael – Jamaica

5.Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad – Senegal

6.Ambassador Aminu Nasir – Ethiopia

7.Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami – Kenya

8.Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel – Belgium

9.Ambassador Akande Wahab Adekola – Switzerland

These diplomats are expected to help advance Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities, including trade expansion, security cooperation, and international partnerships.

Tinubu Orders Immediate Training for Ambassadors

President Tinubu has also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) to immediately begin an induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners.

The orientation will prepare them for their diplomatic roles, covering international relations, foreign policy priorities, and operational protocols for Nigeria’s overseas missions.

The ambassadorial appointments come at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen economic diplomacy and expand global partnerships.

Analysts say the mix of career diplomats and political appointees reflects an attempt by the administration to combine professional diplomatic experience with political influence in advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad.

Once the required diplomatic clearances are completed, the ambassadors will proceed to their respective postings to officially represent Nigeria around the world.

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