Nigerian envoy Kayode Are presents credentials to Trump at White House

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, has formally presented his Letter of Credence to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, officially commencing his diplomatic assignment in Washington.

The credential presentation ceremony took place on Thursday, May 21, and featured ceremonial honours involving members of the U.S. armed forces, officials from the State Department, and staff of the National Security Council.

Are was among a group of foreign diplomats who presented their credentials to the U.S. president during the event. Other ambassadors in attendance represented countries including South Africa, Chad, Chile, Yemen, Australia, and Kyrgyzstan.

The retired Nigerian Army colonel and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) was appointed ambassador by President Bola Tinubu following Senate confirmation of his nomination in December 2025. His deployment to Washington was approved earlier this year as part of Nigeria’s wider diplomatic postings.

Are’s appearance at the White House also drew attention online after photographs showed him dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, which many Nigerians praised as a strong representation of the country’s cultural identity during a high-level diplomatic engagement.

A veteran intelligence and security official, Are previously served as Director-General of the State Security Service from 1999 to 2007, making him the longest-serving head of the agency. He also held the position of Deputy National Security Adviser during his public service career.

Diplomatic observers say his appointment is expected to strengthen Nigeria-U.S. relations in key areas including security cooperation, trade, investment, and regional stability.