Nigerian Ambassador to Algeria, Lili, dies at the age of 50

The federal government announced the death of the Nigerian ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmoud Lele, at the age of fifty.

The Foreign Ministry reported this in a statement issued by its spokeswoman, Kimbe Ebeneva, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Death in Türkiye

According to the ministry, Lili died in the early hours of April 19, 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye, after a long battle with illness.

The ministry described the late diplomat as a loyal officer who served his country with distinction.

The late Ambassador Lilly, until his death after a long battle with illness, was the Director of the Middle East and Gulf Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement read: “Ambassador Lili, a veteran diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu as Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s ratification of his nomination.”.

intellectual depth

Lili was born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976. He studied economics at Bayero University in Kano, and then worked in Nigerian diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lome and Riyadh.

The statement added: “Ambassador Lile was known for his intellectual depth, strategic vision, and commitment to achieving the objectives of Nigerian foreign policy.” Permanent Secretary Dunuma Umar Ahmad, who received the body of the deceased diplomat at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, described him as “a diligent, humble, and highly competent officer who will be greatly missed by the Ministry.”.

The ministry added that his death was “a profound loss not only to his family, but also to all members of the diplomatic corps and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Lili was buried on Wednesday in Kano according to Islamic rites. The ministry offered its condolences to his family, colleagues, and the government and people of Bauchi State, praying that God would have mercy on him and grant his family patience and solace.