The Federal Government has announced the death of Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who passed away at the age of 50.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara after a protracted illness.

Describing him as a dedicated and distinguished career diplomat, the ministry noted that he was until his death the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division.

Lele had recently been appointed ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following confirmation by the Senate.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, he studied Economics at Bayero University Kano and served in Nigerian diplomatic missions in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

The ministry said he was widely respected for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described him as a hardworking and humble officer who would be greatly missed.

Lele was buried on Wednesday in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites, while the government extended condolences to his family, associates, and the people of Bauchi State.