By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria has announced the death of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic community.
Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a protracted illness, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
Until his death, the late diplomat served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division and had recently been appointed Ambassador-Designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following Senate confirmation.
Born in 1976 in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, 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 several Nigerian missions abroad, including Berlin in Germany, Lome in Togo, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry described him as “a dedicated, meticulous and exemplary diplomat” who served the country with “steadfast loyalty and distinction.”
It added that Lele was widely respected for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, was among top officials who received the remains of the late diplomat at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on arrival from Istanbul, Türkiye.
He was later buried on April 22 in Kano, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The ministry extended its condolences to his family, the government and people of Bauchi State, noting that his death represents “a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
It prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for his loved ones to bear the loss.
