What You Should Know About New Nigerian Ambassadors to US, UK, France, Turkey Appointed By President Tinubu 

By: OTN News Desk

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of four ambassador-designates to some of Nigeria’s most strategic foreign missions — the United States, United Kingdom, France and Turkey — marking a significant step in restoring Nigeria’s full diplomatic presence in key global capitals.

The appointments come after months of vacancies in major Nigerian embassies and signal renewed emphasis on security cooperation, economic diplomacy, and international engagement under the Tinubu administration.

OTN News has thought it prudent to publish a brief profile of these Ambassador-Designates and Their Backgrounds as follows:

UNITED STATES

Ambassador-Designate: Colonel (Rtd.) Lateef Kayode Are

Colonel Kayode Are is a retired military officer and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he served for several years during Nigeria’s early democratic period. He also previously acted as National Security Adviser.

Are, who hails from Ogun State, was among the first batch of ambassadorial nominees that President Tinubu sent to the Senate in November 2025.

His posting to Washington reflects Nigeria’s intention to strengthen security, intelligence, trade and diaspora relations with the United States, one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners.

FRANCE:

Ambassador-Designate: Ambassador Ayodele Oke

Ayodele Oke is a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and an experienced diplomat. He has also represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

France remains a crucial partner for Nigeria, particularly in security cooperation, trade, education and regional stability in West Africa and the Sahel. His appointment underscores Nigeria’s focus on deepening bilateral ties with Paris.

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UNITED KINGDOM 

High Commissioner-Designate: Amin Dalhatu

Amin Dalhatu is a career diplomat who previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea. His appointment brings professional diplomatic experience to the UK mission.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom maintain strong relations in trade, education, defence cooperation and diaspora affairs, making the London mission one of Nigeria’s most sensitive and influential foreign postings.

TURKEY

Ambassador-Designate: Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman

Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman is a former Governor of Kebbi State. His appointment comes at a time of expanding relations between Nigeria and Turkey, especially in defence cooperation, infrastructure development and trade.

The posting also coincides with President Tinubu’s planned state engagement with Türkiye, highlighting Ankara’s growing strategic importance to Nigeria.

Why the Appointments Matter

The deployments end prolonged diplomatic gaps in key global capitals

They reflect a blend of career diplomats and security-experienced appointees

The move aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of investment attraction, security collaboration, and global relevance

Diplomatic observers note that restoring leadership in these missions is critical to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and protecting national interests abroad.

What is Next?

The ambassador-designates are expected to undergo formal accreditation procedures and present letters of credence to their host countries before fully assuming their duties.

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Editorial Note:

This report was produced with AI-assisted research and reviewed by the OTN News editorial team. Final editorial responsibility rests with Open Television Naija.