Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), has officially assumed duty as Nigeria's ambassador to the United States. He presented his letter of credence to President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, marking the formal start of his diplomatic assignment. Are's appointment was among a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Nigerian Senate in November 2025, followed by a supplementary list that included three non-career diplomats. He was nominated as a non-career ambassador alongside Aminu Dalhatu of Jigawa and Ayodele Oke of Oyo State. The Senate confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025, combining 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career appointees. Tinubu approved Are's deployment to Washington in January, designating him as Nigeria's envoy to the United States. Are, an indigene of Ogun State, previously served as head of the DSS before his diplomatic appointment. His presentation of credentials took place at the White House in the presence of US and Nigerian officials. The event signifies the full activation of his role representing Nigeria in Washington. There is no mention of any immediate policy initiatives or bilateral events following the ceremony. The next steps involve Are establishing his official presence at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington and beginning diplomatic engagements.
Appointing a former intelligence chief as ambassador to the US raises questions about the diplomatic profile Nigeria intends to project. Are's background in internal security contrasts with the public diplomacy role typically associated with envoys to major powers. His appointment follows a pattern of placing non-career officials in high-profile foreign postings. This could signal a preference for political loyalty over diplomatic experience in key assignments.
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