October 28, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to rebuild Nigeria’s Foreign Service and reposition it for greater global competitiveness.
This initiative, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, aims to restore professionalism, innovation, and strategic statecraft to the centre of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
Tuggar made this declaration in Abuja while representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy. The event, attended by senior diplomats, government officials, and the families of graduating officers, marked the formal induction of a new generation of Nigerian diplomats into the global arena.
Describing the occasion as “an institutional milestone”, Tuggar said the graduating officers represent “the face, the voice, and the conscience of our nation on the global stage.” He lauded the Foreign Service Academy for its role in nurturing intellect, discipline, and patriotism among the trainees, emphasising the need to reposition the Academy as the cradle of modern Nigerian diplomacy.
“The neglect of the Foreign Service Academy is emblematic of the diminishing role of diplomacy and diplomats in governance. It is my mission to bring back statecraft to our relations with other countries. The starting point is with you—skilling our diplomats to compete in the 21st century”, Tuggar stated.
He charged the newly commissioned diplomats to serve with integrity, patriotism, and competence, reminding them that diplomacy is a sacred duty and a reflection of the nation’s values. According to him, every diplomat carries the responsibility of projecting Nigeria’s dignity, advancing its interests, and defending its image across borders.
Highlighting the changing dynamics of international relations, Tuggar noted that modern diplomacy is increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence. He disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an AI Desk and recently hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy to ensure Nigeria remains adaptive and globally competitive.
The Minister also announced that a comprehensive curriculum review is underway at the Foreign Service Academy to align its training programs with global standards. He said the process followed his inspection visit to the Academy’s permanent site in Badagry, Lagos, and aims to produce diplomats equipped to address contemporary global challenges.
Tuggar further reiterated the government’s determination to return the Academy to its permanent home through a public–private partnership model, while also seeking support from development partners. “We must equip our diplomats with the environment, skills, and knowledge to represent Nigeria effectively in a rapidly changing world”, he affirmed.
Outlining President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy direction, the Minister stated that Nigeria’s diplomacy now stands on four pillars—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—which define the nation’s international priorities. He urged the country’s missions abroad to serve as “economic outposts” promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
“Our envoys must also defend Nigeria’s image against misinformation, especially on sensitive issues such as religion, human rights, and security”, he said, stressing that Nigeria’s diplomatic corps must project truth and confidence in the nation’s narrative.
In his remarks, the Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Chikezie Ogu, described the 26th Regular Course as one of the finest in recent years. He praised the officers for their discipline and dedication, noting that they had been imbued with patriotism and a sense of national duty.
Ogu also revealed that the course inspired one of the participants to author a book titled “Traits of a Diplomat”, reflecting the intellectual growth and ethical values instilled during the training.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, represented by Musa Abubakar, urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, discipline, and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties. He emphasised that diplomacy remains a crucial tool for peacebuilding, cooperation, and Nigeria’s advancement on the world stage.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
