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From Joe Ogbodu, Warri
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador , has said that the federal government’s review of its foreign missions is intended to streamline diplomatic resources, not reduce international presence, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to strategic diplomacy and active global engagement.
He said the move is also geared towards resolving misunderstandings and strengthening bilateral relations with global partners.
He spoke in an exclusive interview with Daily Sun as diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States escalated over allegations made by President Donald Trump that the government is complicit in the genocide against Christians by terrorists in the country.
Tuggar responded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to combating extremism while defending its sovereignty and diplomatic integrity.
He highlighted Nigeria’s recognition of its diaspora as a vital national asset, noting that millions of Nigerians are excelling globally in various fields. He expressed openness to involving qualified diaspora Nigerians more formally in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts, including ambassadorial appointments, provided they meet criteria of competence and patriotism.
On Nigeria’s foreign missions, Tuggar clarified that the government’s review is aimed at optimising diplomatic resources rather than retreating from international engagements.
Addressing Nigeria’s broader foreign policy initiatives, Tuggar outlined measures under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stabilise the economy, revitalise the foreign service through digital transformation and strengthen partnerships across continents. He stressed that these efforts aim to rebuild Nigeria’s credibility and capacity on the global stage. The minister also reflected on his legacy, saying his goal is to leave a foreign service that is more professional, strategic, and citizen-focused.
Appointing Nigerians in diaspora as ambassadors
Nigeria’s Diaspora is one of our greatest assets. We have millions of citizens excelling in every sphere academia, science, technology, business, and the creative industries who continue to project Nigeria’s image positively across the world. As someone who has served abroad, I understand their potential for advancing our national interests. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our foreign policy is anchored on democracy, development, demography, and diaspora.
We are therefore open to innovative approaches, including exploring how qualified Nigerians in Diaspora can contribute more formally to diplomacy, whether through advisory roles, secondments or in the future, ambassadorial positions where host-country laws and our own regulations permit. What matters most are competence, patriotism, and alignment with Nigeria’s strategic objectives.
Possibility of closing redundant missions
Rationalization of missions is not about retreat; it is about efficiency and strategic realignment. Every responsible government must periodically review its diplomatic footprint to ensure that our limited resources yield maximum results.
What we are doing is a comprehensive audit of all missions looking at their cost-benefit profile, strategic importance, and contribution to Nigeria’s economic diplomacy. In some cases, it may make sense to consolidate; in others, to strengthen and expand. The guiding principle is not reduction, but optimisation ensuring that every mission delivers tangible value in trade, investment, consular services, and multilateral engagement.
Addressing the nation’s challenges
We are under no illusion about the difficulties Nigerians face. However, under President Tinubu’s administration, we have moved decisively to lay the foundation for sustainable recovery and reform.
Some of the steps include measures that address forex distortions and attract foreign direct investment. Others are the revitalisation of the foreign policy apparatus, including professional training, digital transformation of the Ministry, and policy coherence under the 4D Doctrine.
We have also enhanced consular protection for Nigerians abroad and improved response mechanisms at missions. We have engaged with strategic partners across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia to open new avenues for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and human capital. These efforts may take time to bear fruit, but the direction is clear- Nigeria is rebuilding credibility, confidence, and capacity both at home and abroad.
Legacy
Legacy, for me, is not about personal glory. It is about institutions. If, by the end of my tenure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is stronger, more professional, and more future-ready anchored in digital diplomacy, strategic autonomy, and service to citizens then I would consider that success. I want to be remembered as the Minister who helped redefine Nigeria’s diplomacy for the 21st century, restored the morale of our foreign service, and projected a Nigeria that leads by example principled, confident, and respected in the comity of nations.
