Kayode Are, former DSS boss begins duties as Nigeria’s Ambassador to US

Kayode Are, former Director-General of the Department of State Services,  has officially commenced his diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States after presenting his letter of credence to the American government and President Donald Trump at the White House.

Are formally assumed office on Thursday, marking the beginning of his tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to the United States.

His appointment followed the ambassadorial nominations submitted to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad.

Tinubu had initially forwarded a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The president later transmitted another request seeking legislative approval for three non-career ambassadorial nominees.

Are, an indigene of Ogun State, was among the non-career nominees alongside Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.

The Senate subsequently confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025, comprising 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career appointees.

Following the confirmation process, Tinubu approved Are’s deployment to Washington in January, formally designating him as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States.

Are previously served as director-general of the DSS, from May 1999 to August 2007.

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He was appointed by  Olusegun Obasanjo, former President.of Nigeria.

Are served throughout Obasanjo’s two terms and is the longest-serving Director-General in the history of the agency