Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms death

The ministry announced his passing in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noting that Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026.

He was said to have been receiving treatment before his death in Türkiye.

Recent ambassadorial appointment

Until his passing, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He had recently been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ambassador-designate to Algeria following Senate confirmation, a posting he did not live to assume.

Diplomatic career and background

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano.

Over the course of his career, he held several diplomatic postings in cities including Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

The ministry described him as a committed career diplomat with a strong record of service in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

Final rites and burial

His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed.

He was later buried in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.

Nation mourns diplomat

The ministry said his death represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s foreign service, especially at a time of expanding diplomatic engagements across Africa and the Middle East.