Sixty-five of 69 Nigerian ambassadors cleared by host nations but Reno Omokri’s posting awaits approval

SIXTY-FIVE of the 69 ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu have received approval from their respective host countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed, indicating that most of the diplomatic postings have now been completed.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the approvals translate to a 97 percent acceptance rate, describing the deployment process as largely successful.

According to the ministry, 2 of the 4 unresolved appointments are no longer pending due to diplomatic clearance issues. Grace Bent, who was nominated as ambassador to Togo, declined the appointment, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, the ambassador-designate to Algeria, died in April after a prolonged illness in Ankara, Turkey. Ebienfa said arrangements to replace Lele are already underway.

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The ministry did not identify the remaining countries yet to issue approval, but it was gathered that they are Japan and Mexico. Former presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri, was nominated as ambassador to Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa was assigned to Japan.

Ebienfa said both countries had assured Nigeria that the required diplomatic consent would be granted in due course, noting that the process was advancing smoothly.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international stakeholders that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding Agreements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement said.

The ministry added that most of the confirmed ambassadors have already arrived in their respective host countries and presented their letters of credence, formally assuming their duties as Nigeria’s representatives abroad.