Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died at the age of 50.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday. According to the ministry, Lele died in the early hours of April 19 in Ankara following a prolonged illness.

Until his death, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had recently been nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and cleared by the Senate for appointment as ambassador to Algeria.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano. His diplomatic career included postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, described him as a committed officer who contributed to the country’s foreign policy work with consistency and technical depth.

Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed received his remains at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing him as a diligent and respected officer within the foreign service.

Lele was buried in Kano on Wednesday according to Islamic rites. The ministry extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the government of Bauchi State, noting that his death represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.