President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approves the posting of three ambassadors-designate, drawing from the list of 68 nominees earlier confirmed by the Senate, as Nigeria begins the gradual deployment of its diplomatic representatives abroad.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the President approves Ambassador Ayodele Oke as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to France and Colonel Lateef Are (rtd) as ambassador-designate to the United States of America. The approvals mark the first set of formal postings since the confirmation of ambassadors by the Senate in December.
Also approved is the posting of Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, a former Nigerian envoy to South Korea, as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. The appointment places him in charge of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with one of its most strategic partners in Europe.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that the approvals are contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement explains that President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately notify the governments of France, the United States, and the United Kingdom of the nominations in line with established diplomatic procedures.
According to the statement, the President’s directive includes the commencement of the agrément process, a key diplomatic requirement that allows host countries to formally accept nominated ambassadors before they assume duty. This step is essential for the ambassadors-designate to begin their official representation of Nigeria abroad.
The Presidency notes that while three postings have been approved, several other ambassadors-designate are yet to be assigned to their respective countries. Notably, there is still no approved posting for Turkey at this time, despite expectations following the Senate confirmation of nominees.
Diplomatic observers say the phased deployment suggests that the Federal Government is taking a strategic and deliberate approach to Nigeria’s foreign policy engagements. They note that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France play critical roles in Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and security relations, making the early posting of envoys to these countries significant.
The government also assures that the remaining ambassadors-designate will be posted in due course, as consultations and administrative processes continue within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies.
President Tinubu reiterates his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally, promoting economic diplomacy, protecting national interests, and deepening bilateral and multilateral relations through effective foreign representation.
