Tinubu may visit US, meet Trump before end of my tenure – Kayode Are

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu could visit the United States before the end of his tenure as ambassador.

Are said the possibility of such a visit would depend on the President’s schedule and other contingencies.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television’s Laolu Akande, the ambassador also suggested that Tinubu could meet with US President Donald Trump if the visit takes place.

“The relation between the two, I’m sure we will be able to get that done one way or the other and, of course, the itinerary of a President determines where he goes and where he can’t go,” he said.

According to Are, relations between Nigeria and the United States remain strong despite the absence of a formal presidential meeting.

“That is part of the process of what the US-Nigeria engagement will hope to achieve. Right now, there is a good level of contact and engagement, top to bottom. Even if you have not seen them together physically, there is a good level of engagement that is going on,” he said.

He expressed hope that President Tinubu would visit the United States before his tenure ends.

“So I would hope that during my tenure that a presidential visit would be possible, and it would give me the greatest joy to receive my President. I know many Nigerians would be happy, but that depends on contingencies,” he added.