Tuggar: A Steady Hand Restoring Nigeria’s Global Voice By Umar Farouk Bala
Now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clocked two years in office, one of the most defining legacies of his administration is the bold repositioning of Nigeria’s foreign policy. At the centre of this renewed global engagement is Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose stewardship is redefining the country’s place on the global stage with purpose, principle, and vision.
In an age where perception often supersedes reality, Tuggar has remained unyielding in his defence of Nigeria’s image. He rose swiftly to counter misleading narratives about the country, particularly claims of religious persecution.
In March this year, he clarified before the international community that Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted not in religious hostilities but in insurgency, banditry, and socio-economic factors. His intervention not only quelled misinformation but preserved the integrity of the Nigerian state in global diplomatic circles.
At the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, Nigeria’s foreign policy credentials received a major boost. Under Tuggar’s leadership, the country retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council and secured the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
Tuggar, briefing President Tinubu at an unusual late-night hour, described these victories as a strong reaffirmation of Nigeria’s regional influence and enduring commitment to continental stability. Beyond Africa, Tuggar has taken Nigeria’s voice to the United Nations, advancing bold agendas on energy transition, food security, and equitable debt reform.
He has consistently called for the reform of the UN Security Council to accommodate fairer representation, especially for Africa. Within the West African subregion, he has played a stabilizing role as ECOWAS faced a wave of military coups. His firm but flexible diplomacy kept Nigeria at the centre of negotiations, particularly in the political crises of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Tuggar’s foreign policy compass is also tilted toward deepening South-South cooperation. His diplomatic visit to Brazil marked a turning point in Nigeria’s Global South strategy. Speaking at the Brazil–Nigeria Business Roundtable in Rio de Janeiro, he underlined the cultural and historical ties that bind both nations and pushed for greater collaboration in trade, innovation, and multilateral reform.
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Earlier in February, Tuggar embarked on a historic visit to Kuwait—the first by a Nigerian Foreign Minister in over five decades. The visit opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with the Gulf region, laying the foundation for increased cooperation in energy, investment, and strategic partnerships. That singular trip expanded Nigeria’s footprint in the Arab world and sent a strong message of intent.
In Europe, his bilateral visits have yielded tangible results. In the United Kingdom, he met with senior cabinet officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Talks focused on trade, migration, education, and security, with both countries reaffirming their desire for stronger cooperation. While in Spain, Tuggar restated Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and called for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
His message was simple but powerful: diplomacy must be driven by humanity and respect for international law. But Tuggar’s diplomacy is not only about high-level meetings. He has also focused on Nigerians abroad. His ministry coordinated the successful evacuation of over 2,000 citizens from Sudan in 2023 during a turbulent conflict.
That operation remains one of the most effective humanitarian rescue efforts Nigeria has undertaken in recent times. His interactions with the Nigerian diaspora—through town halls in Canada, the U.S., and the UK—have restored confidence and bridged the gap between citizens abroad and their homeland.
Equally significant are the reforms he is championing within the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Through the Foreign Policy Delivery Tracker, Nigeria’s diplomacy is now more transparent and accountable. The Foreign Service Modernization Strategy is grooming a new generation of diplomats with the right tools and values.
Across Nigerian missions, improvements in digital infrastructure, passport services, and performance measurement have taken shape—replacing inertia with innovation. Several strategic partnerships have been struck under Tuggar’s watch. A defence pact with Germany promises enhanced counterterrorism cooperation.
A Saudi–Nigeria agreement is unlocking new investment opportunities in energy and refining. Nigeria’s participation in the EU–Africa Green Energy Compact is driving its renewable energy and sustainability agenda. These are not just ceremonial gestures—they reflect a pragmatic shift towards partnerships that deliver results for Nigerians.
In just under two years, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has redefined Nigeria’s foreign relations. He has not only restored the country’s voice in global affairs but refined it—making it more credible, respected, and strategic. His diplomacy is deeply rooted in the belief that foreign policy must serve the Nigerian people—by protecting their rights, creating opportunities, attracting investments, and promoting peace.
Today, Nigeria is no longer a passive participant in international affairs. Through Tuggar’s direction, the country is once again shaping conversations, influencing decisions, and reclaiming its rightful place on the world stage.
Umar Farouk Bala is a corps member currently serving with PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. He can be reached via: [email protected].
