By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a new list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, signalling a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across the world.
The nominations were announced on Thursday during plenary when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter on the floor of the Upper Chamber.
Tinubu, in the letter, urged lawmakers to give the request urgent attention, stressing that several embassies and missions have been operating without substantive heads for months.
The new list features a mix of seasoned diplomats and prominent political figures, reflecting the administration’s intention to balance experience with wider political representation.
Among the high-profile non-career nominees are former Rivers State sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, and former Akwa Ibom North-East senator, Ita Enang.
Others on the list include former Imo First Lady, Chioma Ohakim, and Senator Folasade Grace Bent, both of whom have previously held influential political roles at state and national levels.
Akpabio explained that the request was separate from the earlier batch of ambassadorial nominees already screened by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
He added that three nominees from the earlier list — Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Ayodele Oke (Oyo) — have been screened, with their reports awaiting presentation before the Senate.
The fresh set of 65 nominees comprises 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners whose postings are expected to reinforce Nigeria’s professional diplomatic corps.
The remaining 31 nominees are non-career ambassadors and high commissioners drawn from various sectors, including the military, academia, and politics, bringing a diverse mix of expertise to the nation’s foreign service.
Akpabio directed the Committee on Foreign Affairs to screen the new nominees and submit its report within one week to enable the Senate take timely action on their confirmation.