The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday, 30 March 2026, held a valedictory session to honour the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in recognition of his service and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, directors, ministry staff, and representatives from relevant agencies and the broader foreign policy community.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the occasion as both symbolic and important. He noted that it offered an opportunity to reflect on the Minister’s leadership and achievements, particularly in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, advancing economic diplomacy, and boosting Nigeria’s global presence.
Several speakers delivered goodwill messages, praising the Minister’s visionary leadership, professionalism, and dedication to institutional growth. They highlighted his focus on innovation, discipline, and excellence within the Ministry, as well as his commitment to promoting Nigeria’s interests internationally.
A citation presented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, outlined key accomplishments during Tuggar’s tenure. These included the development and implementation of the Four-D Foreign Policy Doctrine—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—along with notable progress in economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement, institutional reforms, and citizen protection.
In his response, Ambassador Tuggar expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership and staff for their support and professionalism during his time in office. He emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in national development and urged continued institutional backing to enable the Ministry to effectively carry out its responsibilities in a changing global landscape.
The statement was issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
