Trump Receives Nigeria’s New Envoy as Kayode Are Officially Begins Diplomatic Mission in Washington

Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, has formally presented his Letter of Credence to US President Donald Trump, officially commencing his diplomatic assignment in Washington DC.

The credential presentation ceremony was held at the White House on Thursday, May 21, 2026, alongside representatives from several other nations, including South Africa, Chad, Chile, Yemen, Australia and Kyrgyzstan.

The event featured ceremonial honours by members of the US armed forces, officials of the State Department and staff of the National Security Council, underscoring the formal recognition of Ambassador Are by the US government.

Kayode Are’s deployment to the United States was approved earlier this year by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025 as part of a broad ambassadorial appointment exercise.

A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Are is widely known within Nigeria’s security and intelligence community. He previously served as Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), now known as the Department of State Services (DSS), and remains one of the country’s longest-serving intelligence chiefs.

Born in 1955, the Ogun State indigene began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of Regular Combatant Course 12, graduating among the top cadets before being commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1974. Over the decades, he served extensively in military intelligence before retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1993.

Observers say his appointment signals Nigeria’s intention to strengthen diplomatic, security and strategic cooperation with the United States at a time both nations are seeking deeper collaboration on counterterrorism, trade and regional stability in Africa.

Photos released after the ceremony also showed Ambassador Are alongside US Chief of Protocol, Monica Crowley, during the official reception for the newly accredited diplomats.