FG tasks new diplomats on integrity, innovation

The federal government has charged newly commissioned diplomats to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and project Nigeria’s image with professionalism and patriotism as they begin their foreign service careers.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, gave the charge on Monday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy, where he represented Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tuggar said Nigeria’s global representation must be anchored on competence, ethical conduct, and strategic thinking, especially in today’s rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape.

He also unveiled plans to modernise the nation’s diplomatic training framework through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, a key step towards strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy and global engagement.

Describing the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic evolution, Tuggar noted that the graduating officers represent a new generation of diplomats who will serve as “the face, the voice, and the conscience of the nation on the global stage.”

He commended the officers for their discipline and resilience throughout the rigorous training programme, which was designed to test their commitment and deepen their understanding of international relations.

“The Foreign Service is a calling to represent Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations. Every word you speak, every negotiation you enter, and every decision you make will project the image of this great country. This is a profession that demands patriotism, integrity, and competence,” Tuggar said.

The minister observed that diplomacy is undergoing rapid transformation with the rise of data, technology, and artificial intelligence reshaping global engagement.

To prepare Nigeria’s diplomats for this reality, he revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated AI Desk and recently organised a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy.

He added that a comprehensive review of the Foreign Service Academy’s curriculum is underway to align training with contemporary global realities.

“I recently visited the permanent site of the Foreign Service Academy in Badagry, and I am pleased to announce that the process of reviewing the curriculum to reflect these global realities has commenced,” Tuggar said.

According to him, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is undergoing a period of deliberate renewal, combining domestic economic reforms with a revitalised foreign policy built on four key pillars: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

Tuggar explained that these pillars embody a people-centred and forward-looking approach aimed at promoting good governance, innovation, youth empowerment, and diaspora engagement.

“Our foreign policy is now a pedestal of strategic autonomy. We must avoid over-alignment because it creates vulnerabilities in our region. Strategic autonomy is sophisticated statecraft, not wanton opportunism,” he said.

The minister further stated that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions must now function as “economic outposts,” actively promoting trade, investment, and technological cooperation while defending the nation’s image and countering misinformation.

He urged the new officers to counter false claims, such as allegations of religious persecution, by citing constitutional safeguards that guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination.

“You must all remember the numbers 10, 38, and 42,” he told the officers, referencing sections of the Nigerian Constitution that uphold religious freedom and secular governance.

Tuggar also announced that the ministry has commenced a review of Nigeria’s mission charters to introduce new performance benchmarks in areas such as trade facilitation, human capital development, and local resource processing.

Highlighting President Tinubu’s Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) initiative, Tuggar said the programme is designed to strengthen democratic institutions and tackle insecurity across West Africa.

He urged the new diplomats to support the initiative by building regional coalitions that promote peace and development.

“Bear in mind that the RPD recognises the variable geometry of democracy, its different forms and speeds of application, especially in our region and continent,” he said.

Tuggar reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to relocating the Foreign Service Academy to its permanent site in Badagry through public-private partnerships and collaboration with development partners.

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He also called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Foreign Service Commission Bill, which would grant the Academy greater autonomy, attract international partnerships, and expand its capacity to train diplomats from other African countries.

“It is my mission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring back statecraft to our relations with other countries, starting with skilling our diplomats to perform and compete in the 21st century,” Tuggar said.

Congratulating the new diplomats, the minister described them as torchbearers of Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic vision.

“Serve with honour, lead with purpose, and remember always that in any situation you find yourself, you are representatives of Nigeria,” he charged.

Tuggar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions and advancing the nation’s leadership role on the global stage.