This was revealed via a press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, January 22, 2026.
The move comes more than two and a half years into his administration, as the government seeks to fill a critical gap in foreign representation that has limited Nigeria’s engagement on trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation.
As of January 22, 2026, President Tinubu has been in office for 2 years and nearly 8 months.
Among the key appointments are Ambassador Ayodele Oke to France, Colonel Lateef Are to the United States, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, and Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi State, as ambassador-designate to Turkey, where the President is scheduled to begin a state visit next week.
The appointments signal a renewed focus on strengthening the country’s global economic and diplomatic ties.
Restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint
Nigeria maintains strategic trade and investment relationships with the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, each representing important economic and political partnerships.
However, relations with Washington have faced strains in recent years over security cooperation, human rights concerns, and restrictions affecting Nigeria’s access to certain U.S. defence equipment, weakening bilateral engagement.
France plays a significant role in Nigeria’s infrastructure, energy, and transport sectors, while the United Kingdom remains a long-standing trade and financial partner, with strong investments in banking, oil, education, and professional services.
Turkey has also emerged as a fast-growing partner, particularly in construction, manufacturing, textiles, and defence-related industries, with bilateral trade steadily expanding.
In Washington, a confirmed envoy could help reset dialogue on security cooperation, defence procurement, and trade negotiations, areas that have suffered during the prolonged absence of an ambassador.
With envoys now appointed to key economies, Nigeria is seeking to rebuild diplomatic credibility, improve consular engagement, and reassert its influence in global economic and security discussions.
