Foreign Affairs Ministry mourns Former Minister of State, Dubem Onyia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mourns the passing of Dubem Onyia, the former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

According to his family, the former minister died on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73, following a brief illness.

In the statement, signed by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late former Minister of State and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Ambassador Tuggar also described late Duben Onyia as a great contributor to Nigeria’s global standing.

“Chief Dubem Onyia, the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage.
“His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.

“The departed former Minister was a seasoned diplomat and politician and held strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission.”

“He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international accolades. More so, Chief Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, contributing to national development initiatives.”

The late Chief Onyia, hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, had a distinguished career in politics and public service.

Elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, he resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2003.