The Nigerian Senate has given its approval to the appointment of 67 ambassadorial nominees, made up of 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career ambassadors, following deliberations at plenary on Thursday.
The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello. After reviewing the committee’s findings, lawmakers adopted its recommendations, clearing the nominees for appointment.
However, the exercise was not without concerns. Senator Sahabi Yau drew the attention of the chamber to the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State, describing the omission as notable and urging that it be brought to the attention of the President.
Responding to the concern, the Senate President acknowledged the issue, explaining that the list presented was not comprehensive. He assured senators that more nominations would be forwarded and that Zamfara State would not be sidelined in the process. He further pledged to formally communicate the concern to the President.
Among those confirmed as career ambassadors are Arewa Esther from Oyo State; Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola of Ogun State; Ramat Omonbolale from Lagos; Monica Okechukwu Enebechi of Anambra State; Adams Jane Basset from Cross River; Mohammed Lele of Bauchi State; and Muhammad Dahiru from Kaduna State.
The list of confirmed non-career ambassadors includes Ajimobi Florence and Sulola Akande, both from Oyo State; Uguwanyi Ifeanyi from Enugu; Ita Enang of Akwa Ibom; Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun; Jerry Manwe of Taraba; Reno Omokri from Delta; Ibas Ibok-Ette of Cross River; Abdulrahman Dambazzau from Kano; and Abas Braimah of Edo State.
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It will be recalled that the Senate had earlier confirmed three other non-career ambassadors. With the latest approvals, the total number of ambassadorial nominees cleared by the upper chamber now stands at 67.
Further nominations are expected to be transmitted to the Senate in the coming weeks.
