Civil society organizations have praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Ambassador Kayode Are as Nigeria's envoy to the United States, calling it a strategic move to enhance bilateral relations.
CSOs and CBOs Applaud Appointment
The National Leadership of Accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), coordinated by CSCHEI, commended the appointment. CSCHEI stands for the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, a United Nations-recognized platform promoting accredited CSOs and CBOs in Nigeria.
In a statement, the group noted that Are's extensive experience in security, intelligence, and international relations would deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. Nigeria's partnership with the U.S. has delivered benefits across education, healthcare, security, oil and gas, industry, and aviation.
Are Presents Credentials to Trump
Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., Kayode Are, presented his Letter of Credence to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, May 21, at the White House. The ceremony included an honor guard by armed forces, State Department officers, and National Security Council staff. Eleven other ambassadors from South Africa, Chad, Chile, Yemen, Australia, and Kyrgyzstan also presented their letters.
CSCHEI's development partner, Africa United Congress USA, affirmed that Are's professional record, diplomatic experience, and integrity position him to advance Nigeria's interests. The organization stated that his official resumption and reception by Trump signal renewed prospects for development-driven diplomacy and stronger institutional collaboration.
U.S. Embassy Closure for Memorial Day
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced that the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day. This U.S. federal holiday honors military personnel who died in service. Volunteers will place American flags on graves in national cemeteries.
Are's Background and Nomination
President Tinubu approved Are's posting in January 2026 after Senate confirmation in December 2025. Born in 1955, Are is a retired Nigerian Army Colonel, intelligence officer, and former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), now Department of State Services (DSS). He built a distinguished career spanning over three decades in military intelligence and national security.
He began at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Regular Combatant Course 12, graduating among the top 10 cadets and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December 1974. In 1980, he earned a First Class Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, winning the Senate Prize, Faculty of Social Sciences Prize, and Department of Psychology Prize. He later obtained a Master's Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 1987.
The group added that the development would create fresh opportunities for partnerships involving U.S.-based international NGOs, development agencies, and accredited CSOs and CBOs in Nigeria.
