Abuja, Nigeria – Njenje Media News
- Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (from Ogun State) as Ambassador-designate to the United States of America. Are, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), brings extensive security and intelligence experience to one of Nigeria’s most critical bilateral relationships amid ongoing discussions on trade, security cooperation, and diaspora engagement.
- Ambassador Ayodele Oke (from Oyo State), former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), was posted as Ambassador-designate to France. Oke’s background in intelligence and diplomacy positions him to strengthen economic ties, cultural exchanges, and multilateral cooperation with a major European power and key player in West African affairs.
- Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (from Jigawa State), a career diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, was appointed as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Dalhatu’s prior experience in high-level postings is expected to support enhanced trade, investment, and people-to-people links with Nigeria’s former colonial power and a major global financial hub.
- Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former Governor of Kebbi State, was designated as Ambassador to Turkey. The appointment aligns with preparations for high-level engagements, including an anticipated state visit, aimed at deepening economic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and defense collaboration with Ankara.
The postings come after months of anticipation following the Senate’s confirmation of the broader ambassadorial list late last year. These four assignments are viewed as strategic priorities, targeting Nigeria’s top Western allies and an increasingly important emerging partner in Turkey. Analysts note that the blend of career diplomats (such as Dalhatu) with non-career appointees possessing specialized backgrounds in security, intelligence, and political leadership reflects President Tinubu’s approach to revitalizing Nigeria’s foreign service for maximum national interest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to formally notify the receiving governments in line with established diplomatic protocols. The new envoys are expected to proceed to their posts in the coming weeks after completing necessary briefings and administrative processes. This development follows recent calls, including from former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, for thorough orientation of new ambassadors on Nigeria’s economic priorities and investment climate to better attract foreign direct investment. No immediate reactions have emerged from opposition parties or civil society groups, with early commentary on social media focusing on the appointees’ qualifications and the timing ahead of key international engagements.
