Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died.
President Bola Tinubu had recently appointed Lele as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria as part of a wider ambassadorial posting exercise.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said Lele died in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, in Ankara, Turkey, “after a protracted illness”.
Ebienfa noted that before his death, the career diplomat served as director overseeing the Middle East and Gulf division at the ministry.
“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 reads.
“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.”
He added that Dunoma Ahmed, permanent secretary at the ministry, received the remains of the late ambassador at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, alongside ministry directors upon arrival from Istanbul, Turkey.
Ahmed described Lele as a hardworking, humble and outstanding officer who would be greatly missed by the ministry.
“Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was buried today, 22nd April, 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.”