President Tinubu Rolls Out Strategic Diplomatic Postings: Four New Nigerian Ambassadors-Designate Appointed

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with key global partners, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates from the list of nominees that were confirmed by the Senate late last year. This development marks a significant step in reinvigorating Nigeria’s foreign service and amplifying its voice on the world stage. 

According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the four designated envoys will represent Nigeria in France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. The appointments reflect not just routine foreign-policy business, but a strategic alignment with diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical priorities at a time when global alliances are evolving rapidly. 

Who’s Going Where: The Four Ambassador-Designates

Nigeria’s diplomatic corps is getting fresh faces in key capitals:

• Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been appointed as Ambassador-Designate to France, a nation with deep cultural, economic, and political ties to Nigeria and the broader African region. 

• Colonel Lateef Are (rtd.) will serve as Ambassador-Designate to the United States of America, a pivotal partner in trade, security cooperation, and global governance issues. 

• Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a seasoned diplomat previously posted to South Korea, has been named High Commissioner-Designate to the United Kingdom — a relationship built on history, commerce, and a large Nigerian diaspora community. 

• Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi State, has been appointed Ambassador-Designate to Turkey, an assignment that comes ahead of President Tinubu’s planned state visit to that country, signalling a desire to deepen ties with Ankara on trade, investment, and regional security. 

In formalising these postings, President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the host governments in accordance with established diplomatic protocols, underscoring the importance of respectful and routine international engagement. 

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Diplomatic Strategy

Nigeria’s network of ambassadors plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions abroad, attracting foreign direct investment, negotiating bilateral and multilateral agreements, and supporting Nigerian citizens overseas. After a period of delayed ambassadorial deployments, this first tranche of postings signals a renewed focus on international engagement and foreign policy execution. 

Posting ambassadors to key capitals like Washington, London, Paris, and Ankara is not merely ceremonial. It positions Nigeria at critical geopolitical junctures: in the United States, where security and economic cooperation remain pivotal; in Europe, where trade, technology, and development partnerships offer new opportunities; and in Turkey, where strategic diplomacy continues to expand within and beyond Africa. 

These ambassadorial assignments also come against the backdrop of a diplomatic renewal after the Senate confirmed more than 60 ambassador-nominees in December 2025, filling long-standing vacancies in missions around the globe. 

Looking Ahead: Diplomatic Depth and National Image

As these four designate envoys prepare to assume their posts, Nigeria’s foreign missions are poised to play a more assertive role in safeguarding national interests, facilitating international trade, and championing Nigeria’s voice in global conversations about security, climate change, economic integration, and human capital development. 

By strengthening its diplomatic presence, Nigeria not only enhances bilateral ties but also builds bridges that could yield economic opportunities, foster political cooperation, and amplify its influence in international fora — a strategic imperative as the nation navigates a fast-changing world. 

This diplomatic refresh is not just about titles on plaques in foreign capitals; it’s about Nigeria asserting its voice, advancing its interests, and shaping partnerships that matter for the future.