By Abdulsalam Adigun,
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died at the age of 50, the Federal Government has confirmed.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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, Türkiye, following a prolonged illness.
The ministry described his death as a significant loss, noting that he was a seasoned diplomat who served Nigeria with dedication and professionalism.
Before his nomination as ambassador-designate to Algeria, Lele was Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the ministry.
He had been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with his nomination confirmed by the Senate.
Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano. During his diplomatic career, he served in Nigeria’s 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 contributions would not be forgotten.
Lele was buried in Kano on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
The ministry 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.
Vanguard