The Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has commended the appointments of Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Kayode Aree as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, describing the developments as major diplomatic achievements for the country.
In a statement issued on behalf of accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across Nigeria, CSCHEI Director-General, Kunle Yusuff, said the appointments signalled Nigeria’s renewed relevance within the international community and strengthened confidence in the country’s diplomatic engagements.
According to Yusuff, the appointments have enhanced Nigeria’s standing within global partnership and funding systems and restored the country’s acceptability within the United Nations framework.
“The appointment of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America represents one of the most significant positive developments for Nigeria at this time.“
He added: “On behalf of the national leadership of accredited CSOs and CBOs, we respectfully thank and appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing men of honour with proven global outreach and diplomatic understanding to represent Nigeria in the United States and at the United Nations during this critical period,“ he said.
The organisation stated that it expects Nigeria to benefit from stronger bilateral relations with the United States and increased access to development opportunities through various United Nations agencies.
“Our findings indicate that, in the very near future, Nigeria will begin to enjoy enhanced executive bilateral relations with the United States of America, and formalised access to nearly thirty United Nations agencies will be activated to advance Nigeria’s development agenda,” Yusuff said.
CSCHEI highlighted a number of achievements recorded since Ambassador Ibrahim assumed office as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 20 April 2026.
Among them was his election as Chairman of the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee, which oversees the UN’s budget, administration and human resources.
The organisation noted that his appointment to the position placed Nigeria at the centre of key discussions on institutional reforms and financial management within the UN system.
It also cited his advocacy for reforms to the United Nations Security Council and his support for President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda on international platforms.
According to CSCHEI, Ambassador Ibrahim has also strengthened Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility within the UN, including through the presentation of his credentials to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and renewed engagement on issues affecting the Sahel region and Africa’s representation in global governance.
The organisation further praised Ambassador Kayode Aree, who formally assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States on 21 May 2026 after presenting his Letter of Credence to United States President Donald Trump at the White House.
CSCHEI said his appointment ended a two-year diplomatic vacancy in Washington and marked a new phase in Nigeria-US relations.
“The reception accorded to Ambassador Aree signals stronger US-Nigeria relations and is expected to create fresh opportunities for partnerships involving US-based international NGOs, development agencies and accredited CSOs,” the statement said.
The group also pointed to Ambassador Aree’s background in security and intelligence, noting that his experience as former Director-General of the Department of State Services and former National Security Adviser positioned him to strengthen cooperation between both countries on security, counter-terrorism and intelligence matters.
CSCHEI said the ambassador had already established productive engagement with US institutions and was working to improve information-sharing, support Nigerians in the diaspora and address concerns of potential investors.
“Leveraging his extensive network, he has improved coordination with US law enforcement to safeguard Nigerians in the diaspora and effectively address cases of fraud and human trafficking,” the organisation stated.
The group added that efforts were also underway to address security concerns raised by American investors, with the aim of boosting investor confidence and attracting greater foreign direct investment into Nigeria.
Yusuff praised President Tinubu’s diplomatic appointments, saying Nigeria had secured influential representation at both the United Nations and the White House within a short period.
“With Ambassador Ibrahim now chairing the UN Budget Committee and Ambassador Are opening direct access at the White House, Nigeria has secured high-level advocacy at both the UN funding table and the US executive table within 60 days of their resumption. Mr President, thank you for putting round pegs in round holes,“ he added.
