President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, at a time Nigeria is facing heightened international scrutiny over terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.

In a letter citing Sections 171 (1), (2)(c), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu nominated Kayode Are (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo State).

The President appealed to the Senate to “consider and confirm the appointments expeditiously.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during plenary and referred it to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which is expected to submit its report within one week.

The development comes nearly two years after Nigeria recalled all 83 ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a comprehensive review of foreign missions—a move that left several key diplomatic posts vacant.

Diplomatic observers say the prolonged absence of ambassadors weakened Nigeria’s engagements abroad, especially with the United States. Concerns deepened after former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and accused the country of “genocide against Christians.”

If confirmed, the new ambassadors are expected to help strengthen Nigeria’s foreign representation and improve dialogue with international partners on security, human rights, and bilateral cooperation.