List Of All Foreign Ministers Of Nigeria (1960-Present)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria was established in 1960, soon after Nigeria became independent from the United Kingdom.
Before this, the country’s foreign affairs were managed by the Department of External Affairs, which was part of the Prime Minister’s office.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to be a key part of Nigeria’s government, handling diplomatic matters and international relationships.
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All Foreign Ministers Of Nigeria (1960-Present)
No. | Minister | Term of Office | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa | 1 October 1960 - 17 July 1961 | NPC |
2 | Jaja Wachuku | 17 July 1961 - 7 January 1965 | NCNC |
3 | Nuhu Bamalli | 1 December 1965 - 17 January 1966 | NPC |
4 | Okoi Arikpo | 3 September 1967 - 29 July 1975 | - |
5 | Joseph Nanven Garba | 6 August 1975 - July 1978 | - |
6 | Henry Adefope | July 1978 - 1979 | - |
7 | Ishaya Audu | December 1979 - October 1983 | NPN |
8 | Emeka Anyaoku | October 1983 - December 1983 | NPN |
9 | Ibrahim Gambari | 18 January 1984 - 27 August 1985 | - |
10 | Bolaji Akinyemi | 11 September 1985 - 21 December 1987 | - |
11 | Ike Nwachukwu | 21 December 1987 - 30 December 1989 | - |
12 | Rilwanu Lukman | 30 December 1989 - 30 August 1990 | - |
13 | Ike Nwachukwu | 30 August 1990 - January 1993 | - |
14 | Matthew Mbu | 4 January 1993 - 17 November 1993 | SDP |
15 | Baba Gana Kingibe | 23 November 1993 - 20 March 1995 | - |
16 | Tom Ikimi | 20 March 1995 - 8 June 1998 | - |
17 | Ignatius Olisemeka | 20 August 1998 - June 1999 | - |
18 | Sule Lamido | 30 June 1999 - May 2003 | PDP |
19 | Oluyemi Adeniji | 8 July 2003 - June 2006 | PDP |
20 | Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala | 21 June 2006 - 4 August 2006 | Independent |
21 | Joy Ogwu | 30 August 2006 - 29 May 2007 | PDP |
22 | Ojo Maduekwe | 26 July 2007 - 17 March 2010 | PDP |
23 | Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi | 17 March 2010 - April 2010 | PDP |
24 | Henry Odein Ajumogobia | 5 April 2010 - 9 July 2011 | PDP |
25 | Olugbenga Ashiru | 11 July 2011 - 11 September 2013 | PDP |
26 | Viola Onwuliri | 11 September 2013 - March 2014 | PDP |
27 | Aminu Bashir Wali | 5 March 2014 - 29 May 2015 | PDP |
28 | Geoffrey Onyeama | 11 November 2015 - 29 May 2023 | APC |
29 | Yusuf Tuggar | 21 August 2023 - Present | APC |
Who Was The First Minister Of Foreign Affairs In Nigeria?
Dr. Jaja Wachuku was the first Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria. He held this position from July 17, 1961, to January 7, 1965.
This appointment came shortly after Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. At the time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was known as the Department of External Affairs.
It was set up to handle Nigeria’s foreign relations and diplomacy as the country worked to make its mark on the world stage.
Dr. Wachuku was born in 1918 in the Eastern region of Nigeria. He was a prominent political figure and a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
Dr. Wachuku studied at the University of London and became a lawyer. However, he also had different roles, including being a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives and Minister of Education.
Dr. Wachuku played an important part in helping Nigeria’s early foreign policy. He promotes Nigeria’s interests around the world, especially within the Commonwealth of Nations and among African countries.
Dr. Wachuku was a key figure in establishing Nigeria’s position on anti-colonialism and supporting liberation movements across Africa.
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What Is The Name Of The Current Minister Of Foreign Affairs In Nigeria?
The current Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria is Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who took office on August 21, 2023, after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tuggar took over from Geoffrey Onyeama, who had been in the position from November 2015 until May 2023. Ambassador Tuggar was born on March 12, 1967, in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
He comes from a well-known political family and is the son of the late Senator Abubakar Tuggar. He earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Also, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the United States International University in San Diego, California.
Tuggar did his advanced-level studies at Saint Bede’s School in East Sussex, England, and received his primary and secondary education in Nigeria.
However, Tuggar had a major diplomatic career, having served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany from June 2017 to August 2023.
His time as an ambassador helped boost Nigeria’s reputation globally. He also had a career in politics as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Gamawa Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2011.
During his time in the House, he worked on important committees, including those related to Foreign Affairs, Public Procurement, and Agriculture.
In addition to his diplomatic and political work, Tuggar is known for his charitable activities and business skills. He is involved in different initiatives that aim to improve the lives of people in Nigeria.
