Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, has indicated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may undertake an official visit to Washington before the end of his tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to the U.S.
The ambassador disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s programme, Inside Sources, hosted by Laolu Akande.
According to Are, discussions and engagements between Nigeria and the United States remain active at different levels despite the absence of a recent physical meeting between the two presidents.
He noted that the possibility of a presidential visit remains dependent on official schedules, diplomatic considerations and emerging national priorities.
The ambassador also suggested that such a visit could create an opportunity for President Tinubu to hold talks with United States President Donald Trump.
Speaking on the possibility of the engagement, Are explained that presidential movements are usually guided by carefully planned itineraries and diplomatic priorities.
He stated that strengthening bilateral relations remains part of ongoing engagements between both countries.
According to him, Nigeria and the United States currently maintain a healthy level of communication and cooperation across different levels of government.
“The relationship between the two countries is one we hope to strengthen further. The itinerary of a President determines where he goes and where he cannot go, but this remains part of the broader process of U.S.–Nigeria engagement,” he said.
Are added that although both leaders may not have met physically in recent times, ongoing diplomatic interactions continue behind the scenes.
“There is a good level of contact and engagement taking place from top to bottom, even if you have not seen them together physically,” he stated.
The ambassador further expressed optimism that a presidential visit could materialise during his tenure.
He said receiving President Tinubu in Washington would be a significant moment for him personally and one that many Nigerians would welcome.
“I would hope that during my tenure a presidential visit would be possible. It would give me great joy to receive my President, and I know many Nigerians would also be happy, but that depends on contingencies,” he added.
If the visit eventually takes place, it would mark an important diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States amid ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, security and international relations.
