Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs started screening ambassadorial nominees on December 11, 2025. President Bola Tinubu sent the list to the Senate earlier. The committee, led by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, focused on non-career diplomats first.
Prominent Nominees Take the Stage
The panel screened notable figures. Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, appeared before the committee. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, ex-governor of Enugu State, also faced the lawmakers. Mahmood Yakubu, former INEC chairman, joined the list. Other nominees included Femi Fani-Kayode, a past aviation minister, and Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia governor.
Present were also Abdulrahman Dambazau, former chief of army staff, and a former senator, Ita Enang. But the committee gave many a pass. Senior officials merely bowed and were allowed to take their leave. A tradition that respects their past service.
Heated Clash Surfaces
However the tensions increased at the screening of Omokri. The senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume clashed bitterly. Oshiomhole hailed Tinubu’s choice despite Omokri’s critical remarks in the past.Ndume insisted on procedure. While both supported the nominee, this exchange got personal.
Oshiomhole noted his governorship experience. Ndume fired back about his Senate tenure. The chairman stepped in to restore order. Omokri stayed silent and cleared the stage.
Path Forward
Next the committee will submit a report. The full Senate will vote on confirmations. Once approved, nominees will receive postings. This process strengthens Nigeria’s global ties. Meanwhile, public interest grows over these high-profile picks.
These appointments are aimed at boosting the country’s diplomacy machinery. The full list has as many as 68 nominees, comprising both career and non-career experts.
