The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Mexico and Japan are among the countries yet to accept Nigerian ambassadorial nominees, including former presidential spokesperson Reno Omokri.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, disclosed that 65 of the 69 ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu have been accepted by their host countries, representing a 97 percent acceptance rate.
Ebienfa explained that two of the outstanding appointments were due to exceptional circumstances: Grace Bent, nominee for Togo, declined the offer, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, ambassador-designate for Algeria, died in April after a protracted illness in Ankara, Turkey. Replacement processes for both positions are ongoing.
However, TheCable understands that the remaining two countries where appointments remain pending are Mexico and Japan. Reno Omokri has been posted to Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa is slated for Japan.
The ministry assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagement is actively progressing with both countries.
“Assurances have been received from the two friendly countries that their consent would be given in due course,” Ebienfa stated, adding that the diplomatic process is advancing “smoothly and successfully.”
The statement further noted that the majority of ambassadors have already arrived in their host nations and presented their letters of credence, officially commencing their representational duties as Nigeria’s principal envoys.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and international stakeholders 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 read.
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