65 Nigerian ambassadors cleared by host nations, as Reno Omokri, others remain unresolved

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that 65 of the 69 ambassadorial nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu have received the approval of their host countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the development as a 97 per cent acceptance rate, noting that only four appointments remain unresolved.

According to the ministry, two of the pending cases arose after Ambassador-designate to Togo, Grace Bent, declined the appointment, while Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, died in April before assuming office.

Lele passed away on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey, following a prolonged illness. The ministry said the process of appointing a replacement is ongoing.

Ebienfa did not identify the remaining two countries yet to grant diplomatic approval. However, reports indicate they are Japan and Mexico, where Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa and former presidential aide Reno Omokri were nominated as ambassadors, respectively.

The ministry said both countries had assured Nigeria that agrément, the formal diplomatic approval required before ambassadors can assume office, would be granted in due course.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international community 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.

It added that most of the newly appointed ambassadors have already arrived in their host countries and presented their letters of credence, formally commencing their duties as Nigeria’s representatives abroad.t