Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja has honoured the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, at a valedictory session held on Monday, March 30, 2026, in recognition of his service and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The event, which drew senior government officials, directors, staff of the ministry, and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s diplomatic community, provided a platform to reflect on the minister’s tenure and achievements.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the session as both symbolic and significant, noting that it offered an opportunity to assess the strides made under Tuggar’s leadership. He highlighted efforts in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, advancing economic diplomacy, and elevating Nigeria’s global profile.
Speakers at the event commended Tuggar’s leadership style, describing it as visionary and reform-driven. They praised his commitment to professionalism, institutional growth, and the promotion of Nigeria’s strategic interests on the international stage.
A citation delivered by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, detailed key milestones recorded during Tuggar’s tenure. These include the articulation and implementation of the Four-D Foreign Policy Doctrine—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—as well as progress in economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement, institutional reforms, and citizen protection.
In his response, Tuggar expressed gratitude to the ministry’s leadership and staff for their support and cooperation. He emphasised the critical role of diplomacy in national development and urged continued institutional strengthening to enable the ministry to effectively navigate the evolving global landscape.
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