By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has proposed a new foreign policy thrust that would redirect the country’s diplomatic focus to visionary and global decision-making.

As Ambassador, Tuggar initiated the repatriation of lost Benin artefacts from the German government leading to the return of 22 Benin Bronze looted artefacts valued at over 100 million pounds.

Tuggar said this in Abuja yesterday when he assumed office, shortly after the inauguration of the 44, ministerial designate, by President Bola Tinubu.

Elaborating on the prospective foreign policy thrust, the new Minister, said, “Four Ds” Foreign Policy for the country would be centred on; Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora geared towards bringing modern solutions to address some complex challenges”.

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While nothing that he will be at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s interest and protecting citizens abroad, Tuggar pledged his commitment to serving the country and Nigerians.

“It is the highest honour to be asked to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a historically important Ministry, Foreign Affairs has long represented the highest standard of excellence.

“It is therefore our job to ensure those standards will never fail. These are turbulent times. From the unfolding political crises in Niger Republic to the regional insecurity and economic insecurity, we have a lot of work to do.”

Tuggar said in due time, the government will also be unveiling a new vision for Nigeria’s foreign policy, four D’s diplomacy.

“Through this doctrine centred on development, democracy, demography, and diaspora, we hope to find modern solutions in other to address complex modern problems. I will be counting on your cooperation and partnership. And by the special grace of God and with your support, I am sure that we can place Nigeria where she belongs, at the pinnacle of visional and global decision-making,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, pledged the support of all staff to the minister to implement Nigeria’s foreign policy.

“We are here to work for you and the government to articulate and implement Nigeria’s Foreign policy. We are happy to have a leader who is not new to the field and who understands everything about diplomacy and foreign policy.

“We should thank Allah and President Bola Tinubu for bringing him to us because we have been praying for a minister who would hit the ground running. We are here pledging our determination and support to move Nigeria’s foreign policy forward,” Lamuwa said.

Tuggar was appointed to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany in 2017, and recently in 2023, concluded his second tour as Ambassador.