Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kayode Are, has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States after presenting his letter of credence to US President Donald Trump at the White House.

The presentation of the letter of credence formally marks the beginning of Are’s diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s envoy to the United States, one of the country’s most strategic foreign missions. The ceremony, held on Thursday in Washington, D.C., signifies the official recognition of the ambassador by the US government.

Are’s appointment is part of the ambassadorial nominations forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and international relations.

Before his appointment, Are served as Director-General of the DSS, where he played key roles in national security and intelligence operations. His transition into diplomacy is expected to further enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States in areas including security cooperation, trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

His assumption of office comes amid renewed efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation on regional stability, economic development, and global affairs.