The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the nomination of Sani Ndanusa as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The confirmation followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Senator Sani Bello, who represents Niger North Senatorial District, said the committee was satisfied with Ndanusa’s qualifications, experience and character after his screening.
Senator Bello noted that Ndanusa, a former Minister of Youth, Sports and Social Development and chairman of the National Sports Commission, had the requisite experience and knowledge to serve in the diplomatic corps.
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Ndanusa held both positions between 2008 and 2010.
“We have thoroughly screened the nominee, and we are satisfied with his qualifications, exposure, conduct, character and experience. The nominee has a wide and in-depth knowledge of diplomacy,” Senator Bello said.
The committee subsequently recommended that the Senate confirm Ndanusa’s nomination for appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
Supporting the nomination, Senator Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District and serves as the Senate Chief Whip, described Ndanusa as eminently qualified for the position.
Senator Monguno said his assessment of the nominee’s educational background and contributions to public service showed that he was suitable for the diplomatic assignment.
“I have carefully perused the résumé of the nominee with regard to his educational background and contributions to society in public service. He is eminently qualified for that position, and he is a square peg in a square hole,” Senator Monguno said.
He subsequently moved a motion for the Senate to resolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
The motion was put to a vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and was adopted, paving the way for Ndanusa’s confirmation.
Congratulating the nominee, Senator Akpabio expressed hope that he would bring the same commitment demonstrated in his previous engagements to his new assignment.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate Ndanusa. I wish him well in his current assignment, and I hope that God will grant him more wisdom to do as he has done in other engagements,” the Senate President said.
Senator Akpabio also commended the chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for their prompt consideration of the nomination.
Ndanusa, who has held senior positions in Niger State was also a former President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and former President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation.
