Tinubu Approves New Ambassadors to France, US, and UK

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of three ambassador-designates to France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, marking a fresh step in filling key diplomatic positions for Nigeria. The approval was disclosed on Thursday through a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the appointments are part of the list of 68 ambassadorial nominees that were confirmed by the Senate in December last year. The president’s decision reflects the administration’s efforts to complete the diplomatic roster ahead of major international engagements.

Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to France, while Colonel Lateef Are will serve as ambassador-designate to the United States. These postings signal a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in two of its most influential international partners.

Ambassador Amin Dalhatu has been approved as high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Dalhatu, a former Nigerian ambassador to South Korea, brings prior diplomatic experience to the role, which will be crucial in managing bilateral relations with the UK.

Onanuga stated that the approvals have been formally communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry has been directed to notify the governments of the three countries in accordance with established diplomatic procedures, including seeking agrément where necessary.

The presidency also addressed recent confusion regarding a separate ambassadorial appointment to Turkey. Onanuga clarified that there was a naming mix-up and that the posting is still under review, stressing that no final decision has been made.

The development follows the Senate’s earlier confirmation of both career and non-career ambassadors, as the administration moves to ensure Nigeria’s diplomatic missions are fully staffed and operational.