Kayode Are, former director-general of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), has formally assumed office as the country’s ambassador to the United States after presenting his letter of credence to US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The ceremony, held on Thursday in Washington, officially marked the commencement of Are’s diplomatic assignment as Abuja seeks to strengthen ties with its long-standing ally amid evolving global and regional challenges.
Are’s appointment forms part of the list of ambassadorial nominees submitted to the senate by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025 as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s foreign missions.
The former intelligence chief is expected to play a central role in advancing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in areas including security, trade, investment and regional stability.
Photos released from the event showed Are exchanging pleasantries with Trump shortly after presenting the formal diplomatic documents required for the assumption of office.
