Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful Easter.
May this season bring renewal, hope, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Today, I formally submitted my resignation letter as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

This moment marks the close of a significant chapter of service; focused on strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships, deepening diplomatic engagement, and delivering a people-centred approach to foreign policy.

I express my sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to serve under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and to contribute to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy through the 4D Doctrine.

I remain deeply grateful for the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , as well as the collaboration and partnership of colleagues and partners across the world.

The journey continues, guided by duty, purpose, and the call to serve.

I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR , on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

Your leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s path and global voice.

Wishing you strength and wisdom for the journey ahead.

The presentation of Letters of Commission by newly designated representatives provided an opportunity to further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and development partnerships.

I received Kannan Chockalingam, Consul General of India in Lagos; Maxime Bengaly, Consul General of Burkina Faso in Lagos; and Krittayawan Boonto, Country Director of , as they formally presented their Letters of Commission.

These engagements reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, enhancing regional cooperation, and advancing global partnerships in support of shared development priorities.

Nigeria and the European Union share a longstanding partnership anchored on political dialogue, development cooperation, and growing economic ties, with the EU remaining one of Nigeria’s key trading and development partners.

In this context, I met with (VP EU Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy ), to advance discussions on strengthening cooperation and deepening engagement across areas of mutual interest.

Our discussions focused on expanding economic collaboration, reinforcing strategic partnership, and aligning on shared priorities within the evolving global landscape.

Engagements at brought together leaders from Africa and the Caribbean to strengthen cross-regional cooperation.

I met with H.E. Timothy Musa Kabba (Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone), Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (Prime Minister of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana) and H.E. Melvin Bouva (Foreign Minister of Suriname) to exchange views on advancing shared priorities through South–South collaboration.

On the sidelines of , I met with Ibrahim Samande, whose Mai Shayi enterprise reflects the strength and resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship.

From a 30-hectare Arabica plantation in Jos, Plateau, to a fully integrated value chain spanning processing, roasting, and retail, handling up to 100 tonnes weekly, his work speaks to the opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural and export sectors.

Nigeria remains committed to supporting businesses like this and strengthening global linkages through economic diplomacy and the Development pillar of the 4Ds.

On the sidelines of , I held a bilateral meeting with H.E. .gilpinto, Foreign Minister of Venezuela.

Our discussions reaffirmed the strength of and advanced preparations for the upcoming Joint Commission in June 2026. We also explored practical areas of cooperation in oil and gas, agriculture, and energy.

The engagement was anchored on our shared commitment to South–South solidarity, peace, and respect for international law.
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On the margins of engagements in Bogotá, I met with Ambassador Lindiwe Maseko of South Africa (accredited to Venezuela and Colombia) to discuss strengthening and advancing South–South cooperation across Africa and Latin America.

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In continuation of our bridge-building across the Global South, I held a productive bilateral with H.E. Bruno Rodríguez, Foreign Minister of Cuba, on the sidelines of .

We reaffirmed the enduring since 1974 and advanced practical cooperation in trade, connectivity, and BASA. Our discussions also reflected a shared commitment to multilateralism, respect for sovereignty, and the principles of the UN Charter.

Nigeria reiterated its support for Cuba and engaged on mutual cooperation across key international platforms.
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I held a productive bilateral meeting with H.E. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, on the margins of High-Level Forum.

As we mark 51 years of , we reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepen cooperation across multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, while accelerating the conclusion of key agreements to unlock trade, connectivity, and investment.

This engagement reflects a growing partnership between Africa and Latin America, driven by shared priorities, mutual opportunity, and a common vision for stronger South–South cooperation.

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