The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces, with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the passing of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, which occurred in the early hours of 19th April 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye. The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Lele, a Career Diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as Ambassador-Designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate's confirmation of his nomination.

Born in Gamawa, in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in 1976, he was a graduate of Economics from Bayero University, Kano and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in the year 2001.

Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was a dedicated, meticulous, and exemplary diplomat who served the nation with steadfast loyalty and distinction. He was also privileged to serve in Nigerian Missions in Berlin, Germany; Lome, Togo; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

During his enviable career, Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. Therefore, his sudden demise is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD who was personally at the International Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja with Directors from the Ministry to receive the remains of the late Ambassador on Tuesday, 2026 to pay his last respect upon arrival from Istanbul, Türkiye, describes Ambassador Lele as a hardworking, humble and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the Ministry.

Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was buried today, 22nd April, 2026 according to Islamic rites in Kano, Kano State.

The Ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, associates and the Government and people of Bauchi State, and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul, the strength for his loved ones during this difficult time, and the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.