The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday screened several non-career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.
Those who appeared before the committee included former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood.
The session began with brief introductions, after which former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers were asked to “take a bow and leave” in line with Senate tradition, which recognises their prior clearance by the upper chamber and extensive public service records.
Other nominees were questioned on their understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, bilateral relations, and strategies for advancing the country’s diplomatic, economic, and national interests.
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The committee, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), is expected to finalise its report and present it to the full Senate for consideration and confirmation.
The screening followed President Tinubu’s submission of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29, with the President urging the lawmakers to “expeditiously” consider and approve the list.
The nominees are being considered for both career and non-career ambassadorial postings, with successful candidates to receive their diplomatic assignments after Senate confirmation.