Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, is dead.
He died at the age of 50 in Ankara, Türkiye where he had been receiving medical care over an undisclosed ailment.
Lele was a career diplomat who had recently been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, and was later confirmed by the Senate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday.
Before his death, Lele served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the ministry.
Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano. Over the years, he worked in Nigerian foreign missions in cities such as Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, building experience in international relations and diplomacy.
The ministry described him as a committed officer who contributed to Nigeria’s foreign service and worked actively in support of the country’s diplomatic goals.
His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry before being moved for burial. He was laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sadness over his death, noting that it is a great loss to his family, colleagues in the foreign service, and the country as a whole. It also extended condolences to his loved ones and the people of Bauchi State, while praying for peace for the deceased and strength for those he left behind.
