Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will visit Washington during his tenure, saying ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United States have laid the groundwork for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Are said relations between the two leaders remain cordial despite not having met in person.
"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," Are said. "Of course, you know the itinerary of presidents determines where they go or where they cannot go."
The ambassador said both governments have maintained regular engagement at different levels and expressed hope that an official presidential visit would take place before the end of his assignment.
"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 will hope finally that during my tenure, that a presidential visit will be possible. It will be the greatest joy to be able to receive my president here," he said.
According to Are, a visit by Tinubu would further strengthen political and economic relations between Nigeria and the United States while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and security cooperation.
He also reflected on the impact of Nigeria's three-year absence of a substantive ambassador in Washington, describing it as a period that weakened bilateral engagement and affected the operations of the Nigerian mission.
"As we speak, I'm still feeling the impact that for three years we didn't have an ambassador [to the United States]," he said. "Many of the staff who came from home, they've never had an ambassador or worked with an ambassador. So, it's a new learning experience for them. There is a clear impact."
Are said rebuilding diplomatic relationships and restoring institutional momentum would take time, noting that ambassadors play a key role in maintaining high-level political engagement, promoting investment and advancing trade. Nigeria had been without a substantive ambassador in Washington since recalling its envoys in 2023, with career diplomats managing the mission until his appointment.
The ambassador also addressed concerns over visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, noting that immigration policies have become a major issue globally as countries adopt measures that reflect their national interests.
"Different countries have adopted policies which suit their interests. It has happened that the policies which have been adopted here have restricted the ambitions of some Nigerians, both for their leisure or for business. Every day, I receive enquiries from Nigerians about visas," he said.
While acknowledging that diplomatic representation alone cannot eliminate visa challenges, Are said sustained engagement with US authorities would help Nigeria 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 urged Nigerians travelling to the United States to comply with the conditions of their visas, warning that overstaying or violating immigration rules could harm both individual cases and Nigeria's reputation.
"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," Are said.
The ambassador expressed confidence that continued diplomatic engagement, stronger institutional cooperation and responsible conduct by Nigerian travellers would help deepen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
