The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday screened former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode and Abdulrahman Dambazau for appointment as ambassadors.
Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, and Dambazau, a former Minister of Interior, had previously undergone full Senate screening during their ministerial confirmations in past administrations.
Following brief introductions, the nominees, along with former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers, were asked to “take a bow and leave,” in line with Senate tradition.
The procedure recognises their prior clearance by the Senate and extensive public service records.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the practice, explaining that it applies to individuals with well-documented and verifiable public service histories.
He noted that former National Assembly members automatically qualify for the procedure due to their known legislative record and public profile.
The nominees’ confirmation is now pending ratification by the full Senate.
Politics Nigeria reports that the screening session came after President Bola Tinubu submitted a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation on November 29.