Tuggar tasks new diplomats on statecraft, strategic autonomy
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has charged newly inducted diplomats to embrace innovation, competence, and patriotism as they represent Nigeria on the global stage. Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja, Tuggar described the […]
Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has charged newly inducted diplomats to embrace innovation, competence, and patriotism as they represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja, Tuggar described the graduation as “an institutional milestone and the induction of another cohort of Nigeria’s diplomats—men and women who will go forth as the face, the voice, and the conscience of our nation to the global stage.”
He commended the academy for its role in nurturing the intellect and professionalism of Foreign Service Officers, but noted that “the neglect of the Foreign Service Academy is emblematic of the diminishing role of diplomacy and diplomats in governance. And the consequence of this is a deficiency of statecraft.”
The minister said his mission at the ministry is to restore statecraft in Nigeria’s foreign relations, starting with “skilling our diplomats to perform and compete in the 21st Century.”
“You now join the noble ranks of Nigeria’s Foreign Service—an institution that functions in the shadows but whose impact is intended to shape the destiny of our nation.”
He urged them to embrace lifelong learning, adding, “Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven.”
Tuggar highlighted reforms under Tinubu’s administration, including fuel subsidy removal and forex unification, as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria globally.
He added that the country’s foreign policy now rests on four pillars: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
“Our missions must serve as economic outposts,” he said, “actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.”
He also addressed false narratives about religious persecution in Nigeria, urging diplomats to cite constitutional protections and judicial safeguards.
Tuggar reaffirmed plans to return the academy to its permanent site in Badagry and called on the National Assembly to pass the Foreign Service Commission Bill to strengthen its autonomy.