Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has urged Nigeria to adopt a pragmatic and ethical approach to diplomacy to protect national interests amid an increasingly complex global landscape.
Delivering the inaugural lecture at the newly established Institute of Diplomatic Practice, Culture and Language Development (IDPCLD) at Achievers University, Owo, Tuggar highlighted strategic autonomy as the guiding principle of Nigeria’s foreign policy in a multipolar world.
The lecture, titled “Strategic Autonomy as Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Direction in a Changing Global Order,” emphasised that strategic autonomy is not a break from Nigeria’s historical non-aligned policy but a refinement to navigate contemporary geopolitical realities.
Tuggar noted that over-alignment with external powers exposes nations to conflicts and economic disruption, citing examples from the Middle East, Sudan, Libya, and West Africa. He argued that Nigeria must safeguard its agency to prevent becoming collateral in international rivalries over resources and strategic influence.
He reiterated that strategic autonomy requires pragmatism, ethics, and adherence to Nigeria’s moral principles. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuggar said, Nigeria’s foreign policy is structured around the Four-D Doctrine: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, ensuring purposeful engagement in global affairs while protecting national priorities.
The former minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for anticipatory diplomacy and regional cooperation, including the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), and the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES).
Welcoming Tuggar, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Oyesoji Aremu, described the lecture as a critical milestone for the university’s mandate to promote learning in diplomatic practice, culture, and language development. He commended the efforts of Professors Omolola Irinoye and Bola A. Akinterinwa in establishing the Institute.
“Selecting Ambassador Tuggar as the inaugural lecturer was not optional, but necessary, given his role in driving Nigeria’s strategic autonomy,” the Acting the Vice-Chancellor said.
The event brought together academics, foreign diplomats, university staff, and students, reflecting Achievers University’s commitment to bridging education, diplomacy, and global engagement.
Tuggar concluded that Nigeria’s greatest asset in today’s contested global order is its ability to make independent choices, engage strategically, and leverage partnerships without compromising national interests.
