Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu could undertake an official visit to Washington before the end of his tenure, citing the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

According to the ambassador, while presidential travel schedules are determined by several strategic considerations, the cordial relationship between President Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump, coupled with sustained bilateral engagements, provides a solid basis for such a visit.

Are made the remarks during an appearance on ‘Inside Sources with Laolu Akande’ on Channels Television.

“With the excellent relations between the two [President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu], I’m sure we will be able to get that done one way or the other. Of course, you know the itinerary of presidents determines where they go or where they cannot go.”

“Right now, there is a good level of contacts and engagements from top to bottom, even if you have not seen them together physically. I hope that during my tenure, a presidential visit will be possible. It will be the greatest joy to be able to receive my president here,” Are said.

The ambassador explained that such a visit would help strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, deepen political and economic ties, and open up more opportunities for trade, investment, and security cooperation.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s three-year absence of a substantive ambassador in Washington, Are described the period as one that weakened bilateral relations and disrupted operations within the Nigerian Mission in the United States.

According to him, the gap affected both diplomatic engagement with US authorities and internal coordination within the embassy, and he noted that several staff members had never worked under a substantive ambassador.

“As we speak, I’m still feeling the impact that for three years we didn’t have an ambassador [to the United States]. In fact, you will find that even in my mission here, many of the staff who came from home have never had an ambassador or worked with one. So, it’s a new learning experience for them. There is a clear impact,” he said.

He added that rebuilding diplomatic ties and restoring institutional momentum takes time, stressing the importance of ambassadors in sustaining high-level political relations, promoting trade and investment, and representing national interests.

Nigeria had been without a substantive ambassador in Washington since the recall of its envoys in 2023, leaving career diplomats to oversee the mission until Are’s appointment.

The envoy also addressed concerns surrounding visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, noting that immigration policies have become a major issue globally, with countries adopting measures that reflect their national interests.

He said current US immigration policies have affected many Nigerians seeking to travel for tourism, business, education, and family purposes, adding that the embassy receives visa-related enquiries daily.

“Another issue is the current state of affairs with immigration. All over the world, immigration is generating a lot of attention. Different countries have adopted policies which suit their interests. It has happened that the policies adopted here have restricted the ambitions of some Nigerians, both for leisure and for business. Every day, I receive enquiries from Nigerians about visas,” he said.

While acknowledging that the presence of an ambassador may not completely resolve visa challenges, Are said sustained diplomatic engagement would help Nigeria better navigate evolving immigration policies.

“The visa issues won’t disappear even now that there is an ambassador, but we will create the conditions and engagements with our partners such that those things that are not particularly directed at us, we will learn how to deal with them,” he added.

He also advised Nigerians travelling to the United States to strictly adhere to the terms of their visas, warning that violations could harm both individual prospects and the country’s image.

“One of the things is that if you come on a visa for a visit, you cannot expect to stay here beyond your visit and expect people to condone you because you are a Nigerian. It won’t happen,” he said.

Are maintained that responsible conduct by Nigerian travellers, alongside sustained diplomatic engagement and stronger institutional collaboration, would help preserve and strengthen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

He expressed confidence that continued high-level interactions and renewed diplomatic efforts would further enhance bilateral relations, while reiterating his hope of welcoming President Tinubu to Washington during his tenure. (The Nation)