President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a new list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, with retired military chiefs Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau among the key names.

The list, sent to the Senate on Thursday, is part of the administration’s push to finally fill long-vacant diplomatic positions after all ambassadors were recalled in 2023. Since then, many Nigerian missions have operated under chargé d’affaires because of the extended delay in new appointments.

Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, recently served as sole administrator of Rivers State during the height of the political crisis that engulfed the state earlier in the year. His nomination aligns with growing calls for experienced security and defence professionals to be deployed to strategic foreign missions. While, Dambazau’s inclusion also signals the administration’s preference for a mix of seasoned public officers and non-career appointees in its diplomatic reshuffle.

The fresh list has generated political reactions, with opposition voices criticizing what they describe as an over-reliance on political figures instead of career diplomats. Despite the concerns, Senate screening is expected to begin in the coming days.

These nominations mark a significant step in restoring full operations across Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and strengthening the country’s international engagement after months of reduced representation.