Benin Bronzes & Big Ambitions: Meet Tuggar shaping Nigeria’s global image

From his early achievements in parliamentary reform to his role in recovering national artefacts and articulating a vision for Nigeria’s global engagement, Tuggar has set new standards in foreign relations. 1) Early life Tuggar was born on March 12, 1967, in Udubo, Gamawa LGA, Bauchi State, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar comes from a family steeped in public service and political influence. His father, Abubakar Maitama Tuggar, was a prominent figure in Northern Nigeria, serving as the Publicity Secretary of the Northern People’s Congress and later becoming a Senator during the Second Republic. This upbringing shaped Tuggar’s early appreciation for civic engagement and national responsibility. ALSO READ: Nigerian govt sounds alarm over teenagers trapped in ‘419 cyber-scam factories’ 2) Education 1972–1978: Tuggar attended primary school in Kano state before progressing to Ilorin for secondary studies (1978–1983).1983–1985: He studied at a college in East Sussex, UK.1985–1989: He completed a BA in International Relations at the United States International University in San Diego.2013: Tuggar earned an MA in International Security at the University of Bath.2017: He graduated from Cambridge University with a Master of Studies (MSt) in International Relations. EXPLORE: Minister wants Nigerians to swallow ‘bitter pill’ of fuel subsidy removal His international education inspired a vision for Nigeria’s global integration and deepened his understanding of global security, diplomacy, and international law. Pre‑Political Career Tuggar began his professional journey as an energy consultant, co-founding Petroil Group, with operational bases in Lagos and Port Harcourt. He led Nordic Oil & Gas Services, focusing on downstream petroleum logistics and advising institutions, including the World Bank and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Simultaneously, he wrote analytical pieces for national and international publications, building respect as a thought leader on economic and foreign policy matters. FURTHER READING: Your diplomatic blunders have humiliated Nigeria – Mohammed slams Foreign Minister 3) Political Career Timeline Entry into Politics: After beginning his career within centre-right parties (ANPP, later CPC), Tuggar co-founded and joined APC in 2013, aligning with Nigeria’s new political order. Major Milestones 2007–2011: Yusuf was elected to represent Gamawa, Bauchi in the House of Representatives. He chaired the Public Procurement Committee and contributed to key committees, Foreign Affairs, Petroleum, Agriculture, and Public Petitions.2011 & 2015: He contested the APC gubernatorial primaries in Bauchi but did not secure a party nomination. His 2011 primary was hotly contested and ended amid controversy.September 2017 – August 2023: Tuggar was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany under President Muhammadu Buhari. The six-year tenure featured achievements such as facilitating a state visit from Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Nigeria’s delegation to climate negotiations in Bonn and Madrid, and negotiating the return of 22 Benin Bronzes, estimated worth over £100 million.August 21, 2023: Yusuf was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. ALSO READ: Aliyu Abdullahi: Tinubu’s silent strategist in Nigeria’s food security war Legislative & Policy Contributions: While in the House, Tuggar championed procurement reform and sponsored a bill to improve livestock transportation standards to curb animal suffering. Controversies & Rivalries In January 2025, Bauchi political leaders publicly criticised Tuggar’s vocal diplomacy on issues such as regional integration and governance, accusing him of bypassing local stakeholders.His handling of Nigeria’s position within ECOWAS, amid political unrest in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, received criticism as too Western-leaning. EXPLORE: Passport Prince or Political Powerhouse? The Tunji-Ojo reform revolution 5) Achievements and Legacy The honourable led the mission to retrieve 22 Benin Bronzes from Germany. This was hailed as a milestone in restoring Africa’s cultural dignity and global negotiating power. Global Diplomatic Wins Yusuf hosted Chancellor Merkel’s Nigeria visit in 2018, building goodwill and advancing bilateral trade discussions.He actively represented Nigeria at the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP 23/24), reinforcing the country’s voice in the environment-security nexus. Policy & Vision: Tuggar pioneered Nigeria’s “4Ds” Doctrine – Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora, to modernise foreign policy. FUTHER READING: From Sokoto to the Nation: The rise of Goronyo, Nigeria’s road revivalist Public Recognition Yusuf earned praise from international circles for his decisive negotiation on cultural restitution.He served as a bridge between diplomatic corridors and youth-led governance conversations. Challenges: Domestic critics argue certain concentrated diplomatic choices lacked grassroots consultation and may have over-prioritised Western alignment. 6) Controversies and Criticisms Local backlash in Bauchi: Leaders dubbed his confrontations as disrespectful or undermining local authority structures.ECOWAS stand: Some West African leaders rebuked Nigeria’s alignment with former colonial powers, raising questions about diplomatic independence.Policy pacing: Observers noted that domestic enthusiasm over the repatriated artefacts wasn’t paired with adequate national education or celebration plans. EXPLORE: Meet Abubakar Kyari: The Minister reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape 7) Personal Life and Philanthropy Hon Yusuf is married with children; and maintains a private family profile, enjoying quality time off-screen. 8) Current Status and Future Prospects Political Ambitions