President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Professor Abayomi Fashina to the Senate for confirmation as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Wednesday.
Tinubu said the nomination was made in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“In accordance with the provisions of section 121, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina as non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate,” the letter reads.
“Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae.”
“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further legislative action.
The Senate President directed the committee to report back to the chamber within one week.
Recall that Fashina’s diplomatic appointment becomes the 70th following the earlier nomination and clearance of 69 newly appointed Ambassadors/High Commissioners by President Tinubu.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, ambassadorial nominees must be screened and confirmed by the Senate before they can assume office.
The process typically involves an assessment of their professional background, public service record, competence, and suitability for diplomatic assignments.
Non-career ambassadors are usually drawn from outside the country’s professional foreign service and are often selected from academia, politics, public administration, business, and other sectors where they have demonstrated distinguished service and leadership.
Meanwhile, the Senate’s consideration of the nomination is expected to be concluded after the Foreign Affairs Committee submits its report to the chamber next week.