Former DSS Boss Kayode Are Assumes Office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to US

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

The development marks the formal beginning of Are’s tenure as Nigeria’s chief diplomatic representative in Washington following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Are’s nomination formed part of the ambassadorial list submitted by President Tinubu to the Senate in November 2025 as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle involving career and non-career ambassadors.

The President had initially forwarded 32 names to the Senate for confirmation before later transmitting an additional list comprising three non-career nominees.

Kayode Are, an indigene of Ogun State and former head of Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, was among the non-career nominees alongside Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.

The Senate subsequently confirmed a total of 64 ambassadorial nominees in December 2025, including 34 career diplomats and 30 political appointees.

Following the confirmation, President Tinubu approved Are’s deployment to the United States in January, assigning him the strategic responsibility of managing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and bilateral relations with Washington.

Are’s appointment is considered significant given his extensive background in intelligence, security coordination and public administration.

Analysts believe his experience could prove valuable in strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in areas such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, trade, migration and regional security.

The United States remains one of Nigeria’s most important international partners in areas of security cooperation, investment, education and economic engagement.

Diplomatic observers say Are’s tenure is expected to focus heavily on strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment opportunities, improving strategic cooperation and deepening Nigeria’s engagement with American policymakers and institutions.