The federal government has announced the death of Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, at the age of 50.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this in a statement made in Abuja on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the government, Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey, following a long illness.
The late ambassador was praised by the ministry as a committed officer who distinguished himself in service to the country.
“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 as Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination,” the statement said.
Lele was born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976. He studied economics at Bayero University in Kano and later served in Nigerian embassies in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.
“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the statement added.
Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the ministry’s permanent secretary, received the late diplomat’s remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing him as “a hardworking, humble, and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the ministry.”
The ministry added that his death “is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Lele was buried on Wednesday in Kano according to Islamic customs.
The ministry expressed condolences to his family and associates, as well as the government and people of Bauchi State, wishing him a peaceful slumber and strength for those he has left behind.
