The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the passing of Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who died at the age of 50.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. The ministry stated that Lele passed away in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, following a long-term illness. He was described as a committed public servant who represented the nation with excellence.
The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to announce, with deep sadness and a heavy sense of loss, the death of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, which occurred in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye.”
Until his passing, Ambassador Lele served as Director overseeing the Middle East and Gulf Division of the ministry. The statement further noted that he was a career diplomat who had recently been named ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after his nomination was approved by the Nigerian Senate.
Born in 1976 in Gamawa, located in Bauchi State, he earned a degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and joined Nigeria’s Foreign Service in 2001. Over the course of his career, he was recognized as a diligent, thorough, and outstanding diplomat who served with unwavering dedication. He also held postings in Nigerian missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.
The ministry highlighted his sharp intellect, strong strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.
His death was described as a significant loss not only to his family but also to the entire diplomatic community and the country as a whole.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who was present at the international wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja alongside other senior officials to receive his remains from Türkiye, paid tribute to him as a hardworking, modest, and admirable officer whose absence will be deeply felt.
Ambassador Lele was laid to rest on April 22, 2026, in Kano State in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people and government of Bauchi State, while offering prayers for his eternal rest and strength for those mourning his loss.
