AWC Statehouse Desk, March 2026
ABUJA — In a major move to strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global stage, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the postings of 65 ambassadors-designate to various foreign missions and the United Nations.
The announcement, released today, March 6, 2026, follows the Senate’s confirmation of the nominees late last year. The list includes a strategic blend of 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career political appointees, signaling a push for both professional continuity and fresh political perspective in Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Key Political Appointments
The non-career list features several heavyweights from the Nigerian political and security landscape. Notable postings include:
* United States: Lateef Kayode Are
* United Kingdom: Aminu Dalhatu (Already received agrément)
* China: Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau
* Russia: Amb. Joseph Sola Iji
* Germany: Femi Fani Kayode
* UN Permanent Representative: Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim
Other prominent names include Mr. Reno Omokri, heading to Mexico City; Olufemi Pedro, deployed to Australia; and former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Isaak Folorunso Adewole, assigned to Greece and Canada, respectively.
Career Diplomats Take Charge
On the professional side, the 34 career ambassadors will man critical African and international stations. Amb. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno will lead the mission in Cairo, Egypt, while Amb. Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola takes the reins in Cotonou, Benin Republic. These appointments are seen as vital for maintaining regional stability and economic ties within the ECOWAS and AU blocs.
Diplomatic Protocols Underway
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already secured agrément (formal diplomatic approval) from the United Kingdom and France for their respective designates.
“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice,” the statement read.
Next Steps: Induction and Deployment
President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence a comprehensive induction programme for the envoys. This training is intended to align the ambassadors with the “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on:
* Economic Diplomacy: Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
* Citizen Diplomacy: Improving services for Nigerians in the diaspora.
* Security Cooperation: Strengthening international alliances against insurgency.
Top Strategic Missions | Ambassador-Designate
USA: Lateef Kayode Are
China: Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau
United Kingdom: Aminu Dalhatu
France: Ayodele Oke
Japan: Barr. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa
The mass deployment ends a period of anticipation since the recall of the previous envoys and is expected to re-energize Nigeria’s bilateral relations across the globe.
