KEY POINTS

• The Senate confirmed Usman Dakingari as a non-career ambassador and approved Ismail Yusuf as chairman and chief executive officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

• The confirmations followed the adoption of a report by the Senate committee on foreign affairs after screening the nominees.

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the appointees and commended President Tinubu for nominating them for national service.

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Usman Dakingari as a non-career ambassador and approved Ismail Yusuf as the chairman and chief executive officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

The confirmations were announced during plenary after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its committee on foreign affairs, which had screened the nominees and recommended them for approval.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded the nominations to the Senate for confirmation. The president first requested the confirmation of Dakingari as a non-career ambassador in a letter dated February 10, while the nomination of Yusuf as chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria was submitted on February 17.

Senate committee recommends nominees for confirmation

The Senate committee on foreign affairs, chaired by Sani Bello, senator representing Niger North, conducted the screening of both nominees before presenting its findings to the upper chamber.

During plenary, Bello informed lawmakers that the committee had carefully reviewed the credentials and suitability of the nominees and found them qualified for the roles they were nominated to fill.

According to him, the screening process confirmed that both individuals possessed the competence and experience required to effectively discharge the responsibilities of their respective offices.

Bello also expressed appreciation to the Senate leadership and President Tinubu for their cooperation and support throughout the screening process.

Following the presentation of the committee’s report, the Senate adopted the recommendations and formally confirmed both nominees.

The approval clears the way for Dakingari to assume his diplomatic responsibilities as a non-career ambassador representing Nigeria, while Yusuf will take charge of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, the agency responsible for coordinating and regulating Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian pilgrims.