President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a new list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, naming former service chiefs, ex-government officials, and political figures as part of his latest diplomatic appointments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign representation.
The list includes the immediate past Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd); former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd); former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang; and former Imo State First Lady, Chioma Ohakim. The nominations were transmitted to the Senate on Thursday and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the communication, the nominees are expected to bring decades of military, administrative, and political experience to Nigeria’s diplomatic corps at a time the government is seeking to rebuild global partnerships, enhance security collaboration, and expand economic engagement.
Presidency sources said the selection reflects Tinubu’s emphasis on experience and national service, given the appointees’ extensive backgrounds in governance, security, and international relations. The president also urged the Senate to expedite their screening and confirmation to avoid gaps in Nigeria’s missions abroad.
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The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to begin the screening process in the coming days. Lawmakers have pledged to scrutinize the nominees’ credentials, competencies, and understanding of Nigeria’s strategic foreign policy priorities.
If confirmed, the ambassadors-designate will be posted to various countries where Nigeria seeks stronger ties in trade, security cooperation, and multilateral engagement. Foreign policy analysts say the appointments could signal Tinubu’s intention to reposition Nigeria’s diplomatic missions for greater efficiency and global influence.
The new ambassadorial list follows ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the recall of previously appointed envoys and the restructuring of key missions. Tinubu is also pushing to align diplomatic postings with his economic diplomacy agenda, which prioritizes investment attraction, security partnerships, and diaspora engagement.
The inclusion of former security chiefs such as Ibas and Dambazau is expected to bolster Nigeria’s diplomatic strength in defense cooperation, particularly with countries involved in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
Meanwhile, political figures like Ita Enang and Chioma Ohakim are anticipated to play roles in strengthening bilateral relations, regional diplomacy, and outreach to Nigerian communities abroad.
The nominees await Senate screening, after which their postings will be announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
