Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria dies at 50

The Federal Government has announced the death of Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who died at the age of 50.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara after a protracted illness.

The ministry said: “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 Tinubu as Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination.”

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano and served in Nigerian missions in Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.

The ministry said: “Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.”

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He described the late diplomat as “a hardworking, humble and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the ministry.”

The ministry added that 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 government extended condolences to his family, associates, and the people of Bauchi State.