Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, dies at 50

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

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stating that Lele passed away in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness.

Describing his passing as a major loss to the foreign service, the ministry said Lele was a seasoned diplomat who served Nigeria with dedication, professionalism and commitment throughout his career.

Before his nomination as ambassador-designate to Algeria, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with his nomination later confirmed by the Senate.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, the late diplomat studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano. Over the course of his career, he served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, described him as a diligent and humble officer whose service to the country would be remembered.

Mr Lele was laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the government and people of Bauchi State, describing his death as a profound loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic community.