Key Takeaways
- The President has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates to France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.
- The approved ambassadors include Ayodele Oke, Colonel Lateef Are, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, and former Kebbi State governor Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman.
- The postings are part of the ambassadorial nominees confirmed by the Senate in December.
- The President is expected to visit Turkey soon, making the posting of Suleiman to the country significant.
- The approvals were formally communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will notify the governments of the four countries about the ambassador-designates.
Introduction to the Announcement
The approval of the posting of four ambassador-designates was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday. According to Onanuga, the President has approved the posting of Ambassador Ayodele Oke to France, Colonel Lateef Are to the United States, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, and former Kebbi State governor Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman as ambassador-designate to Turkey. This announcement is a significant development in the country’s diplomatic efforts, and it is expected to strengthen the relationships between Nigeria and the respective countries.
Details of the Postings
The posting of Ambassador Oke to France and Colonel Are to the United States has been confirmed by the President. Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, who previously served as the Nigerian ambassador to South Korea, has been appointed as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. On the other hand, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, a former governor of Kebbi State, has been appointed as the ambassador-designate to Turkey. The posting to Turkey is particularly significant, as the President is scheduled to begin a state visit to the country next week. This visit is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Turkey, and Suleiman’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to facilitate this process.
Background of the Postings
The approvals were drawn from the list of ambassadorial nominees earlier screened by the National Assembly. In December 2025, the Senate confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Tinubu, following the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The committee had stated that all the nominees were screened and found suitable for appointment. The Senate had earlier confirmed three non-career nominees, including Lateef Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke, bringing the total number of confirmed ambassadors to 67. The list of confirmed ambassadors includes notable figures such as former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, former presidential aide Ita Enang, and former Special Adviser on New Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri.
Notification and Next Steps
The approvals were formally communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will notify the governments of the four countries about the ambassador-designates, in line with established diplomatic procedures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of the new ambassadors to their respective posts and ensuring that they are well-equipped to carry out their duties. The notification process is expected to be completed soon, after which the new ambassadors will assume their roles and begin their work in their respective countries.
Conclusion and Implications
The approval of the posting of the four ambassador-designates is a significant development in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts. The new ambassadors are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s relationships with France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. The posting of Suleiman to Turkey, in particular, is seen as a strategic move, given the President’s upcoming visit to the country. As the new ambassadors assume their roles, they will be expected to promote Nigeria’s interests and foster stronger relationships with their host countries. The success of their missions will depend on their ability to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and build strong relationships with their counterparts. Overall, the approval of the posting of the four ambassador-designates is a positive development for Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s relationships with the international community.
