President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates from the list of 68 nominees earlier confirmed by the Senate in December, marking the first phase of ambassadorial deployments under his administration.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approvals, which cover key diplomatic missions, are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations and advance its foreign policy objectives.
Under the new postings, Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been appointed Ambassador-designate to France, while Colonel Lateef Are will serve as Ambassador-designate to the United States of America.
The President also approved the redeployment of Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, a former Nigerian ambassador to South Korea, as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.
In addition, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, a former governor of Kebbi State, has been appointed Ambassador-designate to Turkey.
His posting comes ahead of President Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to Turkey next week, highlighting the strategic importance of the relationship between both countries.
In a memo addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu directed the ministry to formally notify the governments of the four host countries of the appointments, in line with established diplomatic protocols and international conventions.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the postings represent the first tranche of ambassadorial deployments following Senate confirmation.
“The postings mark the first tranche of ambassadorial deployments following the Senate’s confirmation, with further postings expected in phases as the administration finalises arrangements for Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad,” he said.
