Nigeria Ambassador to Turkey 2026, Usman Isa Dakingari: Leadership Update and Bilateral Engagements

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Nigeria Ambassador to Turkey 2026, Usman Isa Dakingari:  Leadership Update and Bilateral Engagements

As of February 11, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has re-nominated former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Isa Dakingari, as a non-career ambassador to Turkey. This follows the earlier withdrawal of his nomination in January 2026 amid controversy, signaling a renewed effort by the Presidency to fill key diplomatic posts.

Usman Isa Dakingari
Nigeria Ambassador to Turkey

Key Details:

  • Nominee: Usman Isa Dakingari, former Governor of Kebbi State.

  • Current Status: Awaiting confirmation by the National Assembly, specifically the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  • Timeline of Events:

    • January 23, 2026: The Presidency initially withdrew Dakingari’s nomination following public scrutiny.

    • February 10, 2026: President Tinubu re-submitted the nomination to the Senate.

  • Senate Review: The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to examine the nomination and submit a report within a week.

Context and Implications:
Dakingari’s re-nomination is part of a broader strategy to fill Nigeria’s vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen bilateral relations with strategic partners such as Turkey. The role of ambassador to Turkey is particularly significant, given Ankara’s growing economic and political engagement with Nigeria in trade, investment, and regional security.

Nigeria-Turkey Relations:
Nigeria and Turkey have experienced steadily growing diplomatic and economic ties over the past decade. Key areas of cooperation include:

  • Trade & Investment: Turkey is among Nigeria’s top trading partners within the Middle East and North Africa region, with interests in construction, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

  • Education & Cultural Exchange: Turkish scholarships and cultural programs continue to attract Nigerian students, fostering people-to-people connections.

  • Defense & Security Cooperation: Both countries have engaged in joint training programs and intelligence sharing to combat regional security threats, particularly in the Sahel and West African maritime regions.

  • Tourism & Aviation: Airlines like Turkish Airlines provide increased connectivity between Lagos, Abuja, and Istanbul, boosting business travel and tourism flows.

Next Steps:
Upon Senate approval, Dakingari would assume responsibilities at the Embassy of Nigeria in Ankara, overseeing diplomatic, consular, trade, and cultural missions. Until confirmation, the embassy continues to operate under the leadership of Zayyad Abdussalam, the acting minister at the mission.

Significance:
Confirming an ambassador at this strategic post underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its relations with Turkey, enhancing bilateral trade, and expanding collaboration across political, economic, and cultural sectors.

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