In a significant development ahead of the long-awaited appointment of new ambassadors, the Federal Government has begun screening a fresh batch of ambassadorial nominees, including prominent figures such as former presidential aide Reno Omokri and two former governors from the Southeast geopolitical zone under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reliable sources confirmed that former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State—both of the PDP—have undergone security screening as part of the federal government’s efforts to fill vacant diplomatic postings across 76 embassies and 22 high commissions globally. …CONTINUE READING
Reno Omokri, a former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a vocal political commentator, has also been screened, marking what observers describe as a notable inclusion of diverse political voices among the nominees.
Other high-profile figures who have reportedly gone through the screening include Senator Shehu Sani, who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Pedro, and former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode.
Nominees were directed to report to the nearest Department of State Services (DSS) offices for background checks and to submit detailed records of their educational and professional history.
The screening process is part of efforts to conclude the ambassadorial reshuffle initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September 2023, when he recalled all Nigerian ambassadors—both career and non-career. Despite earlier delays blamed on funding constraints, the Federal Government now appears poised to announce the final list of appointments.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had previously cited budgetary challenges as the main reason for the delay in filling the diplomatic vacuum, which has drawn concern from international partners and stakeholders.
With the current momentum, the announcement of the new crop of Nigerian ambassadors—drawn from both within and outside the ruling party—may be imminent, signaling a more politically inclusive approach by the Tinubu administration in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy representation.
