The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday held a valedictory session in honour of outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in recognition of his service and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by senior government officials, directors and staff of the ministry, alongside representatives of agencies and stakeholders within Nigeria’s foreign policy community.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the event as symbolic and significant, saying it offered an opportunity to reflect on the minister’s leadership and achievements.
Ahmed said Tuggar played a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral relations, promoting economic diplomacy and improving the country’s visibility on the global stage.
Several senior officials and colleagues who delivered goodwill messages praised Tuggar’s leadership, professionalism and commitment to institutional growth. They also commended his focus on innovation, discipline and excellence within the ministry.
A citation presented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted major accomplishments recorded during Tuggar’s tenure.
These included the introduction 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 the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Responding, Tuggar expressed appreciation to the ministry’s leadership and staff for their support and professionalism during his time in office. He stressed the importance of diplomacy to national development and called for continued institutional support for the ministry as it carries out its responsibilities.
The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs