FG Urges New Diplomats to Embody Strategic Autonomy, Innovation*
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has charged newly graduated diplomats to embody strategic autonomy and innovation in their diplomatic engagements. Representing the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy, Tuggar emphasized the need for Nigerian diplomats to be proactive and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
Tuggar stressed the importance of strategic autonomy in Nigeria’s foreign policy, urging diplomats to focus on issues-based relationships that serve the country’s national interests.
The Minister also highlighted the need for innovation in diplomacy, citing the Ministry’s recent initiatives, such as the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and a review of the curriculum to reflect modern diplomatic demands.
He emphasized the role of economic diplomacy in promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation, and urged diplomats to serve as economic outposts.
According to him, “We live in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined. The world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.”
He noted it is in recognition of this evolving reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian diplomacy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and competitive.
Tuggar told the graduating officers that the Foreign Service entails a lifetime of learning. “You must keep reading and improving yourselves. Each assignment will teach you something new about nations, about humanity, and about yourself. I urge you to embrace this journey with humility, curiosity and discipline. Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven”, he emphasised.
The wife of the Nigerian Vice President, Mrs Haji Nana Shettima was present to grace the ocassion.
