President Bola Tinubu has formally forwarded the nomination of former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dakingari, to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador, just two weeks after the initial nomination was withdrawn amid controversy.
The submission was conveyed in a letter read on the Senate floor on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu stated that the appointment was made pursuant to Section 171, subsections (1), (2)(c), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), urging the Senate to consider the nomination expeditiously.
The presidential letter read in part, “Distinguished Senate President, request for the confirmation of a career ambassador. I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Usman Dakingari as career ambassador.
“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
Following the reading, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, instructing the panel to report back within one week.
During deliberations, senators clarified that Dakingari’s nomination is for a non-career ambassadorial role, despite the presidential letter’s wording suggesting a career posting.
Lawmakers noted that his political background aligns more with a political appointment than a professional foreign service position, and the screening will reflect this distinction.
The nomination forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to fill vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s representation in key foreign missions, many of which have remained unoccupied since the government transition.
Dakingari was previously listed in January as an ambassador-designate to Turkey, but his name was later withdrawn following debates in political and diplomatic circles.
