The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the passing of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, describing his death as a profound loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic community.
In a statement issued on April 22, 2026, the Ministry disclosed that Ambassador Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness. Until his demise, he served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry.
The late diplomat had recently been appointed Ambassador-Designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Born in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State in 1976, Ambassador Lele was a graduate of Economics from Bayero University Kano and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2001. Over the course of his career, he served in various Nigerian missions, including Berlin (Germany), Lomé (Togo), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
The Ministry described him as a dedicated and exemplary diplomat, known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, paid tribute to the late envoy, noting that he was a hardworking, humble, and distinguished officer whose contributions would be sorely missed. He led a delegation of senior officials to receive the remains of the late Ambassador at the international wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon arrival from Türkiye.
Ambassador Lele was laid to rest on April 22, 2026, in Kano State in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Ministry extended condolences to his family, associates, and the government and people of Bauchi State, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.
