President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates from the 68 nominees earlier confirmed by the Senate in December. The approval marks the first phase of diplomatic deployments under the current administration.
In a statement issued by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been designated as Nigeria’s ambassador to France, while Colonel Lateef Are has been appointed as ambassador-designate to the United States of America. The President also approved the posting of Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu as Nigeria’s high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Dalhatu previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea.
Additionally, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, a former governor of Kebbi State, has been appointed as ambassador-designate to Turkey. His posting comes ahead of President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Turkey next week, signaling the strategic importance of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the country.
According to the statement, President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the governments of the four host countries of the ambassadorial appointments, in line with established diplomatic procedures. This step is necessary to obtain agrément before the ambassadors can officially assume their duties.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Senate screened and confirmed 68 ambassador-designates nominated by President Tinubu in December last year, following a prolonged vacancy in several diplomatic missions abroad. The latest postings are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations with key global partners and enhance the country’s foreign policy objectives.
