Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria is dead

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the ambassador-designate died in Turkey after “protracted illness”.

Ebienfa said Lele died in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, in Ankara, Turkey, “after a protracted illness”.

Until his death, Lele was a career diplomat, being the director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf division in the ministry.

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“Born in Gamawa, in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in 1976, he was a graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in the year 2001,” the statement said.

“He was also privileged to serve in Nigerian Missions in Berlin, Germany; Lome, Togo; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“During his enviable career, Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

“Therefore, his sudden demise is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement said the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dunoma Ahmed, personally received the remains of the late ambassador at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with directors from the ministry on Tuesday upon arrival from Istanbul, Turkey.

 Ahmed described the late Lele as a hard-working, humble and fine officer who will be sorely missed by the ministry.

 “Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was buried on April 22, 2026, according to Islamic rites in Kano, Kano State,” he added.

 “The Ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, associates and the government and people of Bauchi State and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul, the strength for his loved ones during this difficult time, and the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”