Senate Approves Kingsley Ude as Minister After Uche Nnaji’s Exit

By: Aremu Toyebaht

The Nigerian Senate has approved Dr. Kingsley Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic, following a screening session on Thursday at the National Assembly.

Ude’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month amid a certificate scandal.

Born in 1978, Ude previously served as Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, where he earned recognition for championing legal reforms and strengthening judicial independence.

During his screening, lawmakers questioned Ude on pressing national and diplomatic issues, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks warning of possible American action if Nigeria fails to safeguard its Christian population.

In his response, Ude said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was managing the matter “through established diplomatic channels,” stressing that such issues demand diplomacy, not confrontation.

“It is a matter of diplomacy rather than law. The President and our foreign affairs team are handling it in line with Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to peaceful international engagement,” Ude explained.

The nominee also addressed the debate on separating the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice, a reform proposal that has stirred diverse opinions in the legal community.

“The success or failure of either arrangement depends largely on the integrity and independence of whoever occupies the office,” he said.

Following his responses, the Senate expressed satisfaction with Ude’s submissions and, in keeping with tradition, asked him to “take a bow” before approving his nomination by voice vote.

Dr. Ude’s confirmation paves the way for his expected swearing-in by President Tinubu in the coming days as a member of the Federal Executive Council.