Breaking: Tinubu Sends Three Ambassadors’ Names to Senate, Ending Speculation on Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has finally moved to fill the long-vacant ambassadorial posts, submitting the names of three high-profile nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

The nominees include Ayo Oke, who previously served as Director General of the National Intelligence Agency and represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London; Amin Muhammad Dalhatu, a career diplomat and former ambassador to South Korea, known for promoting trade and strengthening bilateral relations; and Lateef Kayode Are, a retired Army Colonel and Nigeria’s longest-serving Director General of the State Security Service, who also briefly served as Acting National Security Adviser.

Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu had yet to appoint any ambassadors, prompting criticism from political observers and stakeholders who highlighted the importance of timely appointments for Nigeria’s foreign policy.

The Senate is now expected to scrutinize the nominations before confirming the appointments, a process that will determine when the nominees can officially take up their diplomatic duties.

Political watchers say the choice of nominees reflects a blend of experience in intelligence, security, and diplomacy, signaling the administration’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s international relations and safeguarding national interests abroad.

“The confirmation of these individuals will be crucial in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage,” an analyst noted, adding that the nominees’ backgrounds equip them to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes, foster trade partnerships, and enhance security cooperation with key international partners.

With these nominations, President Tinubu is taking a step toward addressing a gap in Nigeria’s foreign representation, a move that is likely to bring relief to both the diplomatic community and international observers eager for stronger Nigerian engagement abroad.