Nigeria has appointed new envoys to Iran and Israel as tension in the Middle East intensifies. 

Officials say the appointments are indicative of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic presence abroad.

President Bola Tinubu announced the posting of Salau Mohammed as Nigeria’s new Ambassador to Iran, while Nkechi Ufochukwu has been posted to Israel.

Their posting is alongside 63 others to represent Nigeria in various countries.

The appointments come as the middle east faces heightened tensions following military strikes and retaliatory actions between Israel and Iran, and their allies.

The situation has so far led to the deaths of over 1 000 people, including Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and some American soldiers.

Mohammed, a career diplomat, previously represented Nigeria in the Gulf region, while Ufochukwu, a non-career diplomat, served as a Special Adviser in the administration.

The ambassadors were nominated by Tinubu last year, and confirmed by the Senate in December.

–SABC–