Jaja Wachuku is Nigeria’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs. The present one is Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar (August 16, 2023 till date).
Since the establishment of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1961, the ministry which maintains, supervises, and coordinates Nigeria’s relations with other countries has produced 29 ministers.
On the assumption, the ministry is named 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 the foreign policy of Nigeria.
6) To maintain Nigeria’s relations with international organisations
Past and Present Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria
Jaja Wachuku
1961 to 1965
Nuhu Bamalli
1965 to 1966
Yakubu Gowon
1966 to 1967
Arikpo Okoi
1967 to 1975
Joseph Nanven Garba
1975 to 1978
Henry Adefope
1978 to 1979
Ishaya Audu
1979 to 1983
Emeka Anyaoku
1983 to 1984
Ibrahim Gambari
1984 to 1985
Bolaji Akinyemi
1985 to 1987
Ike Nwachukwu
1987 to 1989
Rilwan Lukman
1989 to 1990
Ike Nwachukwu
1990 to 1993
Matthew Mbu
January to November 1993
Babagana Kingibe
1993 to 1995
Tom Ikimi
1995 to 1998
Ignatius Olisemeka
1998 to 1999
Sule Lamido
1999 to 2003
Oluyemi Adeniji
2003-2006
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
June 21, 2006 to August 30, 2006
Joy Ogwu
2006-2007
Ojo Maduekwe
2007-2010
Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi
2010
Henry Odein Ajumogobia
2010-2011
Olugbenga Ashiru
2011-2013
Viola Onwuliri
2013-2014
Aminu Bashir Wali
2014-2015
Geoffrey Onyeama
2015 – May 29, 2023
Yusuf M. Tuggar
August 16, 2023 till date
Of all the former ministers, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Anyaoku, and Sule Lamido were exceptional as Nigeria’s foreign policies were clearly spelt out.