The Federal Government has announced that 65 out of the 69 ambassadors-designate appointed by President Bola Tinubu have received agrément from their host countries, leaving only two nominations, including that of former presidential aide Reno Omokri, awaiting approval.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Ebienfa described the development as a 97 per cent acceptance rate, saying that it is a sign that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements were progressing smoothly.

Although the ministry did not identify the two countries yet to grant approval, it was gathered that they are Japan and Mexico. Omokri was nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa was appointed ambassador-designate to Japan.

According to the ministry, both countries have assured Nigeria that their consent would be communicated in due course.

“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 agréments will be conveyed in due course,” the statement said.

The ministry explained that the remaining four appointments were affected by separate circumstances. It said Grace Bent, who was nominated as ambassador-designate to Togo, declined the appointment, making it unnecessary to seek agrément from the West African country.

It also recalled that Mohammed Mahmud Lele, the ambassador-designate to Algeria, died in April 2026 after a prolonged illness, noting that the process of appointing a replacement is already underway.

Lele reportedly died on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey.

The ministry noted that all 69 ambassadorial nominees had earlier been screened and confirmed by the Senate before being assigned to various countries by President Tinubu.

It added that most of the approved ambassadors had already arrived in their respective countries and presented their Letters of Credence, officially assuming duties as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representatives.

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally, the ministry said it remained focused on advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives and protecting its national interest through effective international representation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad in furtherance of the nation’s foreign policy objectives and national interest,” the statement reads.

In March 2026, President Bola Tinubu approved the posting of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigerian missions across the world, comprising 31 non-career (political) ambassadors and 34 career diplomats.

Among those nominated are former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro; businessman and senator, Jimoh Ibrahim; and former presidential aide, Ita Enang.

Other nominees are Grace Bent, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, Paul Oga Adikwu, Lola Akande, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, Nora Ladi Daduut, Lateef Kayode Are, Ayodele Oke, and Aminu Mohammed Dalhatu.

The nominations form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across various countries, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming that most of the nominees have already received agrément from their respective host nations.