Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella is a distinguished diplomat and legal professional with a rich and varied career spanning law, diplomacy, and international relations. Born on 11th April 1965 in Ogene-Amejo, Benue State, Nigeria, Ambassador Ella has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, garnering extensive experience both within the legal realm and the Nigerian Foreign Service.
Ambassador Ella earned his bachelor’s degree in law (LL. B) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1988. He furthered his academic pursuits at Monash University, Australia, obtaining a master’s degree in international relations in 1998. Committed to continuous learning, he secured another master’s degree in law from the ICFAI University, Hyderabad, India, in 2005. Following his call to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989, Ambassador Ella practiced law during his mandatory National Service in Ilorin, Kwara State, and subsequently in Lagos. He honed his legal expertise under the mentorship of prominent figures such as Barr. Titus Ashaolu, Senator Ameh Ebute, and late Chief Adejo Ogiri.
Ambassador Ella joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1993, embarking on a distinguished diplomatic career. His journey included postings at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Office in Geneva, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing. Notably, he served in various capacities at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and the Nigeria High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Ambassador Ella excelled in several roles, including Director in charge of the Consular and Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters.
He also served as Charge d’Affaires, ad interim, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Dakar-Senegal. His wealth of experience and leadership qualities culminated in his elevation and appointment as the Federal Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on 27th November 2023.
Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella assumed office as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on 22nd January 2024, following his deployment with effect from 9th January 2024. Ambassador Ella’s profile serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership acumen, and depth of knowledge in law, diplomacy, and international relations. His contributions have significantly shaped Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape, and he continues to excel in his role as a Federal Permanent Secretary.
