By Our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of 31 non-career ambassadors to represent Nigeria in various diplomatic missions across the world. The appointments form part of a broader list of 65 ambassadors recently designated to serve in Nigeria’s foreign missions, combining both career diplomats and political appointees.
Non-career ambassadors are typically individuals appointed from outside the professional diplomatic corps. They often include former public office holders, technocrats, and political figures who are selected to represent the country based on their experience, influence, and contributions to national development. Their role is to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s interests abroad, and deepen cooperation with host nations.
Among those appointed are notable political figures, former government officials, and professionals from different sectors. Their postings cover strategic regions in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, reflecting Nigeria’s global diplomatic engagement.
The list includes: Sen. Grace Bent (Togo), Sen. Ita Enang (South Africa), Victor Ikpeazu (Spain), Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Israel), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Qatar), Paul Oga Adikwu (The Holy See), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Philippines), Reno Omokri (Mexico), Engr. Abasi Braimah (Hungary), and Erelu Angela Adebayo (Portugal).
Others are Barr. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa (Japan), Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi (Greece), Barr. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim (Poland), Aminu Dalhatu (United Kingdom), Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (China), Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari (Gambia), Olufemi Pedro (Australia), and Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu (Argentina).
The list also includes Lateef Kayode Are (United States of America), Amb. Joseph Sola Iji (Russia), Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Permanent Representative to the United Nations), Femi Fani-Kayode (Germany), Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (Canada), Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Austria), Lola Akande (Sweden), Ayodele Oke (France), Yakubu N. Gambo (Saudi Arabia), Sen. Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (South Korea), Barr. Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha (Ireland), Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar (Tunisia), and Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe (Trinidad and Tobago).
The appointments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and promote international cooperation in areas such as trade, security, investment, and cultural exchange. With representatives posted to major global capitals and multilateral organizations, the government aims to enhance Nigeria’s voice on the international stage and foster stronger bilateral relationships with partner countries.
These new ambassadors will assume their roles after completing the required diplomatic procedures, including legislative confirmation and formal accreditation by their respective host countries. Their work will be critical in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and supporting the country’s economic and strategic interests abroad.
