President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun deploying ambassador-designates to key global economies, taking steps to address Nigeria’s prolonged absence of full diplomatic representation in major capitals.
The move, announced in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, marks the first wave of postings from the 68 ambassadors confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. The deployments come more than two and a half years into Tinubu’s administration, as the government seeks to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and strengthen international engagement.
Among the initial appointments are Ambassador Ayodele Oke to France, Colonel Lateef Are to the United States, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and former Kebbi State Governor Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman as ambassador-designate to Turkey. The posting to Turkey comes ahead of a scheduled state visit by President Tinubu to the country next week.
Nigeria recalled most of its ambassadors in 2023, leaving several foreign missions under the leadership of chargés d’affaires, a situation that limited the country’s ability to fully engage on trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Observers have attributed the delay in appointing replacements to political balancing considerations and resource constraints.
The government says the new postings signal a renewed focus on rebuilding Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint, particularly in countries central to its economic and strategic interests. The United States remains a major destination for Nigerian oil and gas exports and a key partner in security and investment, while France and the United Kingdom play significant roles in infrastructure, finance, energy, and trade. Turkey has also emerged as a fast-growing partner, especially in construction, manufacturing, and defence-related industries.
With confirmed ambassadors now headed to these capitals, Nigeria is expected to strengthen consular services, reset strained diplomatic relationships, and reassert its influence in global economic and security discussions.
