President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of Hamza Mohammed Sallau as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Sallau is among the 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors appointed to represent Nigeria in various countries and at the United Nations.
According to the statement, the ambassadors-designate were earlier confirmed by the Senate in December, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced the necessary processes for their deployment and induction.
The Presidency also revealed that some countries have already granted agrément, the diplomatic consent required for the appointment of ambassadors.
The United Kingdom has approved the appointment of Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu as Nigeria’s High Commissioner, while France has granted agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also forwarded the nominations of the remaining 62 envoys to their respective host countries, requesting the necessary diplomatic approvals in line with international practice.
Who is Mohammed Sallau?
Sallau, who hails from Niger State, is a seasoned career diplomat in Nigeria’s foreign service.
A graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano, Sallau is also trained in international security and diplomacy, combining a strong academic background with extensive experience in foreign service.
His diplomatic career spans more than 25 years, with postings in Zambia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Qatar, where he is currently serving as Head of Mission.
Appointment comes amid rising Middle East tensions
His appointment comes amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The United States and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.
The strikes reportedly came hours after Iran and the U.S. concluded a round of talks aimed at reaching an agreement on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme.
During the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed alongside several others.
Iran later retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, further escalating tensions into what observers now describe as a full-blown regional conflict.
With tensions rising in the Middle East, Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in Iran could become increasingly significant. What do you think about the timing of this appointment? Share your thoughts in the comments.