Yusuf Tuggar

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (born 12 March 1967) is a Nigerian diplomat and politician who was a former Nigerian minister of foreign affairs from 21 August 2023 to 30 March 2026. He served as the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023. He was previously a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 representing Gamawa; and he ran twice for the office of the governor of Bauchi State.

Family Tuggar was born into a political family in Bauchi State (Gamawa), his father, Abubakar Tuggar, was the Publicity Secretary of the ruling Northern People's Congress before and during the First Republic. As a member of the National Party of Nigeria, he represented Gamawa at the House of Representatives during the Second Republic.

Education Tuggar received a bachelor's degree in international relations from the United States International University. He also attended the University of Bath, and has master's degree from the University of Cambridge.

Early career After graduating, Tuggar spent several years in the private sector. He was the chief executive officer of Nordic Oil and Gas Services, an energy consulting firm. Tuggar was also a contributor on political and economic opinions in Nigerian newspapers and magazines.

Governorship elections In 2011, Tuggar ran for office of the Governor of Bauchi State as the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Tuggar came in second after the election was marred with fraud and violence.

Ambassador to Germany In August 2017, Tuggar was appointed the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany by President Muhammadu Buhari. During his ambassadorship, Tuggar played a key role during the 23rd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He also facilitated the state visit of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Nigeria in August 2018.

In March 2020, Tuggar attended a meeting held with Siemens in Germany over projects in the Nigerian power sector, the chief of staff to the president Abba Kyari who tested positive for COVID-19. Tuggar ordered the closure of the embassy in Berlin, and himself was tested negative. Kyari later died on 17 April 2020.

As Ambassador, Tuggar initiated the repatriation of lost Benin artefacts from the German government leading to the return of 22 Benin Bronze looted artefacts valued at over 100 million pounds.

Tuggar completed his term as Ambassador to Germany on Monday, 21 August 2023 when he was sworn in as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.