President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a new batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, asking lawmakers to fast-track their confirmation as part of ongoing efforts to fill key diplomatic positions.
The President’s letter was read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who noted that Tinubu requested “urgent and expeditious consideration” of the list, which includes both career and non-career diplomats.
Tinubu wrote, “I am pleased to present for confirmation the list of the 32 ambassadorial nominees for the positions of career ambassadors, non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.”
The list features a blend of seasoned diplomats and high-profile political figures. Among the non-career nominees are former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Lagos deputy governor Otunba Femi Pedro, ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
The batch also reflects a gradual push toward gender balance, with 10 women—four career and six non-career—making the cut.
The Senate President immediately referred the request to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing the panel to conclude screening and submit its report within a week.
“The committee is to report back to us in one week,” Akpabio said.
The fresh submission came less than 24 hours after the committee began screening an earlier set of three nominees—Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu and Ayodele Oke—whose names were forwarded last week.
Committee chairman, Senator Sani Bello, disclosed that Oke used Wednesday’s session to clarify allegations previously raised against him.
The Senate is expected to consider the committee’s report on the first three nominees in the coming days, even as lawmakers begin work on the newly transmitted list.
