The Federal Government has announced the death of senior diplomat, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria’s foreign service and the nation at large.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ambassador Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, during a prolonged illness.
Until his death, he served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry and had recently been appointed Ambassador-Designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following Senate confirmation.
The Ministry described the late diplomat as a committed and distinguished officer who served Nigeria with dedication.
“Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was a dedicated, meticulous, and exemplary diplomat who served the nation with steadfast loyalty and distinction,” the statement noted.
Born in 1976 in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Lele was a graduate of Economics from Bayero University Kano and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2001.
During his career, he served in various Nigerian missions abroad, including Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh, where he was known for his professionalism and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received the late diplomat’s remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, paid tribute to his character and service.
“He was a hardworking, humble and fine officer who will be sorely missed by the Ministry,” Ahmed said.
The Ministry noted that his death represents “a monumental loss” not only to his family but also to the diplomatic community and the country.
Ambassador Lele was laid to rest on April 22, 2026, in Kano, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Ministry extended its condolences to his family, the government and people of Bauchi State, as well as colleagues and associates, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
