Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, is dead
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Federal Government announced his death in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness, the ministry said.
The ministry described him as a dedicated diplomat who served the country with distinction.
“The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Ambassador Lele, a career diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination,” the statement said.
Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano.
He served in several Nigerian missions, including Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.
“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the statement added.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He described the late diplomat as “a hardworking, humble and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the ministry.”
The ministry said his death “is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Lele was buried on Wednesday in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.
The ministry extended condolences to his family, associates, and the government and people of Bauchi State, and prayed for strength for those he left behind.
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