By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a significant diplomatic reshuffle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the nomination of non-career ambassadors to three of Nigeria’s most strategic international postings: the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The appointments, which include a former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) chief, a retired military officer, and a seasoned diplomat, are subject to approval by the Nigerian Senate.

The nominees are: Ambassador Ayodele Oke, who will represent Nigeria in the U.S.; Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, nominated for the U.K.; and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, tapped for France.

A Seasoned Diplomat Returns
Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu brings years of experience to the role, having previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Dalhatu, who was appointed to that post in 2016, is now poised to represent Nigeria in Paris, France.

Intelligence and Security Expertise
Ambassador Ayodele Oke, a former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), will take on the role of Nigeria’s ambassador to the U.S. Oke, an alumnus of Emory University in Atlanta, also held the prestigious post of Nigeria’s ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Military Leadership and National Security
Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, a former Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, has been nominated for the U.K. position. A distinguished military officer with a background in military intelligence, Are also served as National Security Adviser in 2010. He graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980, a testament to his diverse expertise.

The trio’s nominations represent a blend of Nigeria’s intelligence, military, and diplomatic strengths, signaling the government’s focus on bolstering international relations with key global players. The nominees’ credentials suggest a strategic approach to Nigeria’s foreign policy as they prepare for Senate screening, which will determine the final appointments.

Stay tuned as the Senate’s confirmation process unfolds, and these seasoned professionals prepare to represent Nigeria in some of the world’s most powerful nations.