Mexico clears Omokri as Nigeria’s ambassador after months of delay

The Mexican government has formally approved the appointment of Reno Omokri as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, clearing the final diplomatic hurdle for his deployment to the North American country.
The approval, known in diplomatic circles as an agrément, was conveyed through the Mexican Embassy in Abuja, confirming Omokri’s acceptance by the host government.
With the clearance secured, Omokri will represent Nigeria in Mexico and hold concurrent accreditation to Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Omokri disclosed the development on Tuesday, stating that the Mexican Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Abuja, José Manuel Briseño Flores, presented the official approval to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Director of Protocol, Ambassador Babagana Wakil.
President Bola Tinubu nominated Omokri for an ambassadorial position in November 2025 as part of a broader diplomatic appointment exercise. The list also included former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
The Senate confirmed the nominees in December 2025, while Tinubu approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners in March 2026. Omokri was assigned to Mexico City but remained unable to assume the role pending approval from the Mexican government.
The delay had attracted public attention after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified Mexico and Japan as the only countries yet to grant consent for two outstanding ambassadorial postings.
Omokri had previously dismissed reports suggesting Mexico had rejected his nomination, maintaining that the delay was linked to routine diplomatic procedures.
Agrément is the formal consent granted by a receiving state before a foreign government’s nominee can serve as ambassador.
A former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Omokri is also known for his political commentary and public affairs advocacy.