Last Updated on November 10, 2021 by Ope Quadri
Since the establishment of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1961, the ministry which maintains, supervises, coordinates Nigeria’s relations with other countries has produced 28 ministers.
On the assumption, the ministry named as the Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations. By the government of Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister at the time. And Jaja Wachuku became head of the first foreign affairs ministry
Roles of the Foreign Affairs Minister
1) To oversee the management of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and consulates.
2) To implement foreign policies
3) To maintain relations with other countries
4) To protect the interest of Nigeria and its people in foreign countries
5) To coordinate foreign policy of Nigeria.
6) To maintain Nigeria’s relations with international organisations
Past and Present Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria
| Nigeria’s Foreign Minister | Years in Office |
| Geoffrey Onyeama | 2015 till date |
| Aminu Bashir Wali | 2014-2015 |
| Viola Onwuliri | 2013-2014 |
| Olugbenga Ashiru | 2011-2013 |
| Henry Odein Ajumogobia | 2010-2011 |
| Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi | 2010 |
| Ojo Maduekwe | 2007-2010 |
| Joy Ogwu | 2006-2007 |
| Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala | June 21, 2006 to August 30, 2006 |
| Oluyemi Adeniji | 2003-2006 |
| Sule Lamido | 1999 to 2003 |
| Ignatius Olisemeka | 1998 to 1999 |
| Tom Ikimi | 1995 to 1998 |
| Babagana Kingibe | 1993 to 1995 |
| Matthew Mbu | January to November 1993 |
| Ike Nwachukwu | 1990 to 1993 |
| Rilwan Lukman | 1989 to 1990 |
| Ike Nwachukwu | 1987 to 1989 |
| Bolaji Akinyemi | 1985 to 1987 |
| Ibrahim Gambari | 1984 to 1985 |
| Emeka Anyaoku | 1983 |
| Ishaya Audu | 1979 to 1983 |
| Henry Adefope | 1978 to 1979 |
| Joseph Nanven Garba | 1975 to 1978 |
| Arikpo Okoi | 1967 to 1975 |
| Yakubu Gowon | 1966 to 1967 |
| Nuhu Bamalli | 1965 to 1966 |
| Jaja Wachuku | 1961 to 1965 |
Of all the former ministers, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Anyaoku, and Sule Lamido were exceptional as Nigeria’s foreign policies were clearly spelt out.
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