Raphael Oni
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to restore professionalism, innovation, and strategic statecraft in the nation’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) in Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar described the event as “an institutional milestone” marking the emergence of a new generation of diplomats who will serve as “the face, the voice, and the conscience of our nation on the global stage.”
The Minister commended the Academy for nurturing the intellect and discipline of young diplomats, stressing that its revitalization is central to repositioning Nigerian diplomacy for the 21st century. He emphasized the need for Nigerian diplomats to embrace innovation and technology as vital tools in modern diplomacy.
Ambassador Tuggar disclosed that the Ministry had established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and recently hosted a seminar on AI in Modern Diplomacy, aimed at integrating emerging technologies into Nigeria’s foreign policy practice. A comprehensive curriculum review of the Academy is underway, with the goal of aligning training with global realities.
The Minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy thrust, anchored on four key pillars: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. He urged diplomats to project Nigeria’s positive image and counter misinformation on issues such as religion and human rights.
Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Chikezie Ogu, described the latest graduating class as one of the most exceptional cohorts in recent years, commending the officers for demonstrating patriotism, discipline, and a deep sense of national duty throughout their training.
The new foreign service officers are drawn from various departments of the Ministry and are expected to serve as economic outposts, promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation.
