Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in recognition of his service and contributions to the country’s foreign policy.
The event drew senior government officials, directors, ministry staff, and representatives of key agencies and stakeholders within Nigeria’s foreign policy community.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the session as both symbolic and significant.
Umar noted that it provided “an opportunity to reflect on the minister’s leadership and the progress made in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives during his tenure.”
Ahmed highlighted Tuggar’s efforts in “strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, promoting economic diplomacy, and enhancing Nigeria’s global visibility.”
Goodwill messages from senior officials and colleagues praised Tuggar’s leadership style, professionalism, and dedication to institutional development.
Speakers commended his focus on innovation, discipline, and excellence, as well as his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests on the international stage.
A citation delivered by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, outlined key achievements recorded under Tuggar’s leadership. These included the articulation and implementation of the Four-D Foreign Policy Doctrine Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora alongside notable 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 professionalism throughout his tenure.
He emphasised the critical role of diplomacy in national development and called for “sustained institutional backing to enable the ministry to effectively carry out its mandate in a rapidly evolving global environment.”
The valedictory session marked a formal send-off for the minister, who recently resigned his appointment after serving in the administration.