A Nigerian-born American lawyer, Shirley U. Emehelu, has made history after being appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey in the United States, becoming the first immigrant to occupy the position.
Emehelu was appointed on Monday, November 9, 2026, by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, following the resignation of her predecessor, Dale Caldwell, in September.
Her appointment also marks the first time in the state’s history that women will simultaneously occupy the two highest executive offices, with Sherrill serving as Governor and Emehelu as Lieutenant Governor.
Emehelu, who was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States at the age of three, will also retain her position as Secretary of State, a role that includes overseeing elections and other government administrative responsibilities.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a law degree from Yale Law School.
Before her appointment, Emehelu spent nine years working as an Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey, prosecuting complex financial fraud cases. She later became Chief of Asset Recovery and Anti-Money Laundering at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
She also served as New Jersey’s Executive Assistant Attorney General between 2022 and 2024 before becoming Acting State Comptroller at the beginning of the Sherrill administration in 2026.
Announcing the appointment, Governor Sherrill praised Emehelu’s record in public service, particularly her work in fighting financial crimes, protecting consumers, defending civil rights and promoting accountability in government.
In her acceptance remarks, Emehelu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the significance of her Nigerian heritage and the representation her appointment brings to immigrant and minority communities.
She pledged to work with the governor to address the cost of living, expand economic opportunities and ensure effective governance for residents of New Jersey.
Emehelu’s appointment has attracted attention in Nigeria and among Nigerians in the diaspora, marking another milestone for Nigerian-born professionals in international public service.
