KEY POINTS

• President Tinubu has approved the posting of three ambassador-designates to France, the United States and the United Kingdom.

• The presidency clarified that no envoy has been posted to Turkey, citing a naming mix-up under review.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to formally notify host governments in line with diplomatic procedure.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of three ambassador designates, less than 24 hours after concerns emerged over a mix-up in the naming of diplomatic postings.

In a statement issued on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the presidency confirmed that Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been posted as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to France, while Colonel Kayode Are (retd.) has been approved as ambassador-designate to the United States.

Also cleared is Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a former Nigerian envoy to South Korea, who has been appointed high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

The three postings are drawn from the list of 68 ambassadorial nominees earlier screened and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.

Presidency clarifies Turkey posting confusion

The presidency explained that no ambassador has been assigned to Turkey at this time, following widespread reports that Usman Nasamu Dakingari had been posted to Ankara.

According to the statement, the reference to a Turkey posting was the result of a naming mix-up that is currently under internal review. Officials said the error prompted a swift reassessment to avoid diplomatic miscommunication.

The clarification came amid growing public attention, with the presidency moving quickly to correct the record and reaffirm its commitment to accuracy in diplomatic appointments

President Tinubu has formally directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the governments of France, the United States and the United Kingdom of the approved postings.

The presidency said the notification will follow established diplomatic protocols, allowing the host countries to process agreement and other formal requirements ahead of the envoys’ assumption of duty.

The development signals the gradual rollout of Nigeria’s new diplomatic corps, months after the Senate confirmation process was concluded.