The Federal Government has confirmed the death of Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who passed away at the age of 50.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the diplomat died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness.
“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 and served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in 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 ministry added.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received the remains of the late diplomat at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, described him as “a hardworking, humble and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the ministry.”
The ministry noted that his passing “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 government extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of Bauchi State, praying for the repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.
