The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday commenced the screening process for the list of non-career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, moving closer to filling crucial diplomatic posts.
The screening session followed the President’s submission of a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29, with a request for their “expeditious” clearance in line with the Senate’s constitutional mandate.
Prominent Nominees Face Committee
Several high-profile nominees appeared before the committee, including:
* Former presidential aide Reno Omokri
* Former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
* Former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang
* Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Yakubu Mahmood
In adherence to Senate tradition, those with extensive public service experience or who had previously been cleared by the Senate—including former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers—were asked to “take a bow and leave” after brief introductions.
The remaining nominees were closely questioned on their understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and proposed strategies for effectively advancing the country’s diplomatic and economic interests abroad.
Next Steps
The Committee, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), is expected to conclude its work promptly and submit a report to the full Senate.
The confirmation of the nominees now awaits final ratification by the entire Senate body. President Tinubu had clarified that the list includes candidates for both career and non-career ambassadorial posts, with confirmed nominees slated to receive their diplomatic postings after Senate approval.
