President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step in shaping Nigeria's international representation by nominating three distinguished individuals as non-career ambassadors to key global powers.
Presidential Nominations for Strategic Posts
The Nigerian leader has approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (rtd), and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu to represent the nation in the United States of America, United Kingdom, and France respectively. These nominations represent crucial diplomatic postings that will influence Nigeria's foreign policy direction.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed these developments through his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on November 27, 2025. The announcement indicated that the nominations have been formally transmitted to the Senate for the required screening and confirmation process.
Distinguished Profiles of Nominees
The three nominees bring impressive credentials and extensive experience to their proposed roles. Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu brings previous diplomatic experience, having served as Nigeria's envoy to South Korea during the Muhammadu Buhari administration. His initial appointment to that position dates back to 2016.
Ambassador Ayodele Oke is an alumnus of Emory University in Atlanta and previously served as Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). He also has diplomatic experience from his previous role as Nigeria's ambassador to the Secretariat of the Commonwealth Nations in London.
Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (rtd) brings substantial security expertise to his nomination. He headed the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007 and later served as National Security Adviser in 2010. His academic credentials include a First Class Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, which he earned in 1980.
Strategic Implications for Nigerian Diplomacy
These appointments signal President Tinubu's approach to strengthening Nigeria's diplomatic presence in major global capitals. The United States, United Kingdom, and France represent three of Nigeria's most important international partners, making these postings particularly significant.
The selection of experienced professionals with backgrounds in intelligence, security, and previous diplomatic service suggests a strategic emphasis on capable representation. The Senate's upcoming screening process will determine whether these nominees receive final confirmation for their proposed roles.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex international relationships and pursue its national interests abroad, these ambassador appointments could play a pivotal role in shaping the country's foreign policy outcomes in the coming years.
