President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the posting of four ambassador-designates, out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate in December. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Ambassador Ayodele Oke will serve as the ambassador-designate to France, while Colonel Lateef Are will represent Nigeria as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America.
Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, formerly the ambassador to South Korea, has been appointed as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Additionally, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, the former governor of Kebbi State, will take on the role of ambassador-designate to Turkey, a country President Tinubu is scheduled to visit next week.
The presidential directive, conveyed through a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, instructs the ministry to notify the governments of the respective countries about the ambassador-designates, following standard diplomatic procedures. This move is part of the process to fill key diplomatic positions, which began last December when the Nigerian Senate screened 68 ambassador-designates nominated by President Tinubu.
The Senate’s confirmation of the ambassador-designates marked a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, with the newly appointed ambassadors set to play crucial roles in promoting the country’s interests abroad. As Nigeria seeks to enhance its global presence and foster stronger ties with other nations, the appointment of these experienced individuals is expected to contribute to the country’s diplomatic efforts.
With the postings now approved, the focus will shift to the ambassadors’ preparations to take up their new roles, engaging with their host countries, and advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. The upcoming state visit to Turkey by President Tinubu underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and the role that these ambassadors will play in shaping the country’s international relationships.
