This development means that 32 nominees are still awaiting approval from nations where they are expected to serve.

The confirmation was given by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who told Punch that the number of approved envoys had increased to 33.

“Thirty-three ambassadors have now secured agréments from host countries,” he said.

Ebienfa explained that those who have been cleared will proceed to their assigned missions after completing a mandatory induction programme, which began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Wednesday.

“After the induction, those who have been accepted will proceed to their missions,” he added.

The ministry had earlier reported that over 25 nominees had already secured agrément as of April 17. Agrément refers to formal approval granted by a receiving country after vetting a nominated diplomat.

Envoys Urged to Project Nigeria’s Image

At the opening of the induction programme in Abuja, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to project a positive image of Nigeria globally.

She stressed that diplomats play a key role in shaping the country’s international reputation and promoting national interests.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, resource constraints, and infrastructure gaps, she urged envoys to highlight the country’s efforts toward reform and development.

“Locally, our nation faces genuine challenges of insecurity, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure development,” she said. “Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership.”

Other Developments

Meanwhile, one of the ambassador-designates, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s appointed envoy to Algeria, reportedly passed away on April 23.

Concerns have also been raised that some nominees may experience delays or difficulties in securing agrément due to the late submission and processing of their appointments.

President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, but delays in appointing ambassadors left several missions without substantive heads, with many being managed by chargés d’affaires.

To address the gap, the Presidency forwarded a list of 65 nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. Although the nominees were screened in December, the delay is believed to have affected the speed of approval from host countries.

The development was confirmed on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Dauda Iliya, who told Daily Trust that Gubio recently met with Zulum shortly after obtaining his nomination form in Abuja.

He said, “Yes, Gubio is the anointed candidate of His Excellency who visited him shortly after the purchase of nomination form in Abuja.”

The endorsement was further highlighted by the circulation of a photograph showing Gubio presenting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the governor during a meeting attended by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and other supporters.

Meanwhile, in a separate political development, indications suggest that Oyo State residents may still have to wait before knowing Governor Seyi Makinde’s preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

Makinde stated that he would announce his choice before the end of the first week of May, as consultations with key stakeholders continue across the state.

He explained that discussions are ongoing with elders, religious leaders, and other influential groups, noting that while several aspirants have emerged, no final decision has been reached.

Reports say the incident, which allegedly happened on Sunday, triggered public outrage after a video surfaced on social media showing the suspect restrained before being shot.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, said the officer had been arrested and transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi (referred to in the statement as Anthony Placid), also confirmed the incident, explaining that Ogidi was arrested at the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway after allegedly being found attempting to send a parcel suspected to contain a pistol.

He said preliminary findings showed that operatives of the Effurun Area Command acted on credible intelligence provided by transport union members at the park.

According to him, while officers were trying to lawfully take the suspect into custody, ASP Nuhu Usman allegedly discharged his firearm in violation of police operational guidelines, resulting in Ogidi’s death.

The police said the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the immediate transfer of the officer and members of his team to Abuja for further disciplinary proceedings before the Force Disciplinary Committee, with possible prosecution.

The statement added that the IGP has extended condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring that justice will be served.

The police also urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, stressing that the Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy for extrajudicial actions and abuse of authority.