President Tinubu Approves Major Diplomatic Appointments Including Former DSS DG for US Role
In a significant diplomatic reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), as Nigeria's ambassador-designate to the United States. The announcement was made on Thursday, January 22, 2026, through an official statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
High-Profile Nominees for Key Diplomatic Posts
The presidential approval includes four prominent nominees for strategic diplomatic positions. Alongside Kayode Are's appointment to the United States, Ayodele Oke has been posted as ambassador-designate to France. Amin Dalhatu, who previously served as Nigeria's ambassador to South Korea, has been appointed high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Usman Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi State, will serve as ambassador-designate to Turkey.
These appointments come at a crucial time, particularly as President Tinubu is scheduled to visit Turkey for an official state trip next week, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Diplomatic Procedures and Senate Confirmation
According to the presidential statement, President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the governments of the United States, France, United Kingdom, and Turkey about these appointments in accordance with established diplomatic protocols.
The nominees underwent thorough screening by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello representing Niger North. The committee confirmed that all nominees were found suitable and qualified for their respective diplomatic assignments, having been properly vetted through established parliamentary procedures.
Comprehensive Ambassadorial Confirmation Process
These latest appointments are part of a broader diplomatic initiative by the Tinubu administration. In November 2025, the president forwarded 32 additional ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, including notable figures such as:
- Reno Omokri, former presidential aide
- Mahmood Yakubu, former INEC chairman
- Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister
- Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Oyo State first lady
By December 2025, a total of 64 ambassadorial nominees had been confirmed by the Senate. With the recent confirmation of Oke, Are, and Dalhatu, the total number of confirmed ambassadors now stands at 67. This includes 34 career ambassadors who are professional diplomats that have risen through the ranks of Nigeria's foreign service, and 33 non-career ambassadors appointed based on their expertise or political considerations.
Strategic Posting to Strengthen International Relations
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga emphasized that the confirmed ambassadors will be posted to countries where Nigeria maintains strong and strategic bilateral relationships. These include major global powers and regional partners such as:
- China
- India
- South Korea
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- South Africa
- Kenya
Additionally, ambassadors will be assigned to Nigeria's permanent missions at important international organizations including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. This comprehensive diplomatic deployment aims to enhance Nigeria's global presence and strengthen international cooperation across multiple sectors.
The appointments mark a significant step in filling diplomatic vacancies that had persisted for nearly two years at various Nigerian missions abroad, signaling the administration's commitment to revitalizing the country's foreign service and international engagement strategy.
