Tinubu Approves Posting of Ambassador-Designates to US, France, UK, and Turkey

Publication Date: January 22, 2026 | Category: International Relations / Nigeria

In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic representation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates to key strategic nations. This decision follows the earlier screening of nominees by the Nigerian Senate and marks a new phase in the country’s diplomatic engagement with the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of this development, detailing the individuals appointed, the countries involved, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s international relations.

Introduction

Effective diplomatic representation is the cornerstone of international relations. Ambassadors serve as the highest-ranking diplomats, acting as the official representatives of their home country’s government in a host nation. On January 22, 2026, the Presidency confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the deployment of four high-profile ambassador-designates to their respective posts. This move is part of a broader effort to fill Nigeria’s diplomatic vacancies and enhance its presence on the global stage.

The announcement, made by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, signals a strategic alignment of Nigeria’s foreign policy with its national interests. The selected nominees—Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Colonel Lateef Are, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, and Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman—bring a wealth of experience to their new roles.

Key Points

Background

The Senate Screening Process

To understand the significance of these postings, one must look back to the legislative vetting process. In December 2025, the Nigerian Senate screened a total of 68 ambassador-designates nominated by President Tinubu. This rigorous process is a constitutional requirement under Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates legislative confirmation for presidential nominees to executive posts.

The screening exercise aimed to assess the nominees’ competence, integrity, and suitability for diplomatic service. With the Senate’s approval granted, the President retained the discretion to decide when and where to deploy these diplomats. The January 2026 approval represents the first major wave of postings following that screening.

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Landscape

Nigeria, as a regional hegemon in West Africa and a significant player in the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), maintains diplomatic missions in over 100 countries. However, vacancies in key missions can hinder the effectiveness of foreign policy. The posting of ambassadors to the United States, France, the UK, and Turkey addresses critical gaps in Nigeria’s diplomatic network.

Analysis of Ambassadorial Postings

The selection of specific individuals for these strategic posts offers insight into the administration’s diplomatic priorities.

United States: Colonel Lateef Are (Ambassador-Designate)

The United States remains Nigeria’s most significant strategic partner, particularly in areas of security, trade, and investment. The appointment of Colonel Lateef Are (likely a retired military officer or security expert) suggests a focus on bolstering security cooperation and intelligence sharing between the two nations. The US mission is often considered the most critical Nigerian diplomatic post abroad, handling complex issues ranging from visa policies to bilateral trade agreements.

France: Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Ambassador-Designate)

France is a key European Union power and a significant development partner for Nigeria, particularly in the Francophone West African region. Ambassador Ayodele Oke’s appointment to Paris aligns with Nigeria’s need to maintain strong ties with France for economic investment and cultural exchange. France’s influence in the Sahel region also makes this post vital for regional stability discussions.

United Kingdom: Ambassador Amin Dalhatu (High Commissioner-Designate)

It is important to note the terminology: diplomatic heads in Commonwealth nations are referred to as High Commissioners rather than Ambassadors. Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a former ambassador to South Korea, has been appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The UK-Nigeria relationship is historically deep, encompassing trade, education, and legal frameworks. The appointment of an experienced diplomat like Dalhatu indicates a desire to navigate post-Brexit trade relations and strengthen the Commonwealth ties.

Turkey: Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman (Ambassador-Designate)

Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, a former Governor of Kebbi State, has been appointed Ambassador to Turkey. This appointment highlights the growing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, particularly in defense procurement, construction, and agriculture. Turkey has become a major supplier of military equipment to Nigeria, and diplomatic relations have warmed in recent years.

Notably, the announcement coincides with President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Turkey, suggesting that Ambassador Suleiman will play a crucial role in facilitating high-level discussions during the visit.

Practical Advice and Implications

Understanding the Role of Ambassador-Designates

For readers unfamiliar with diplomatic protocol, the term “Ambassador-Designate” is significant. It means the individual has been nominated and confirmed by the Senate but has not yet presented their Letters of Credence to the head of state of the host country. Only after this ceremony do they officially assume the role of Ambassador. Until then, they operate in a preparatory capacity.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

The immediate impact of these postings is the restoration of full diplomatic communication channels. When a mission lacks a substantive ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission often acts as chargé d’affaires. While functional, this can limit the mission’s ability to make high-level decisions. The arrival of these ambassadors will:

• Enhance Lobbying Efforts: Direct engagement with host governments on policy issues.
• Boost Trade: Facilitate business-to-business connections and resolve trade disputes.
• Strengthen Consular Services: Improve oversight on visa and immigration matters for Nigerians abroad.

Next Steps for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As directed by the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must now engage in “agrément” procedures. This involves formally notifying the governments of the US, France, UK, and Turkey of the proposed ambassadors. The host countries must grant approval (agrément) before the ambassadors can travel to their posts. This is a standard diplomatic courtesy to ensure the receiving state has no objection to the appointee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the new ambassador-designate to the United States?

President Bola Tinubu has approved Colonel Lateef Are as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America.

Who is representing Nigeria in France?

Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been approved as the ambassador-designate to France.

What is the difference between an Ambassador and a High Commissioner?

Both are heads of diplomatic missions. “Ambassador” is used for missions to non-Commonwealth countries. “High Commissioner” is used for missions to other Commonwealth countries. This is why Ambassador Amin Dalhatu is designated as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

How were these nominees selected?

President Tinubu nominated these individuals, and they were subsequently screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025, alongside 64 other nominees.

When will the ambassadors resume duties?

After the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notifies the host countries and receives agrément (approval), the ambassadors will present their Letters of Credence to the respective heads of state to officially begin their tenure.

Why is Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman’s appointment significant?

He is a former Governor of Kebbi State. His appointment brings political experience and high-level administrative skills to the Nigerian mission in Turkey, especially during a period of scheduled state visits by President Tinubu.

Conclusion

The approval of ambassador-designates to the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Turkey represents a proactive step in Nigeria’s foreign policy execution. By deploying experienced individuals like Colonel Lateef Are, Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, and Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, the Tinubu administration is positioning Nigeria to better navigate complex global geopolitics, enhance economic partnerships, and protect national interests abroad.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiates the notification process, the international community will be watching closely to see how these new diplomatic leaders foster relationships that translate to tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy and its citizens.