Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died at the age of 50, the Federal Government has confirmed.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, Lele passed away in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, following a prolonged illness.

Describing his passing as a significant loss, the ministry said Lele was a seasoned and committed diplomat who served Nigeria with dedication and professionalism over the years.

Before his recent nomination, he was Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He had also been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, with his nomination already confirmed by the Senate.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano. Over the course of his career, he served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

Colleagues remembered him as a thoughtful and strategic officer, deeply committed to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, described him as a diligent and humble officer whose contributions would not be forgotten.

Lele was laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ministry extended its condolences to his family, colleagues, and the government and people of Bauchi State, noting that his death is a profound loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic community.