President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates to strategic foreign missions, signalling a measured restart of Nigeria’s full diplomatic engagement abroad.
The approvals, drawn from the 68 ambassadorial nominees confirmed by the Senate last December, cover postings to the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Turkey.
According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been cleared to serve as Nigeria’s envoy to France, while Colonel Lateef Are will take up duties as ambassador to the United States of America.
In a notable redeployment, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a former ambassador to South Korea, has been named high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s most critical diplomatic and economic partners.
Also approved is the posting of Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi State, as ambassador-designate to Turkey. The decision comes on the eve of President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the country next week, a move widely seen as reinforcing Abuja’s intent to deepen bilateral ties.
The President has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the host governments of the appointments in line with established diplomatic procedures
