Nigerian activist Elder Karofi has called for the removal of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar as Minister of Foreign Affairs, warning that the country’s global reputation is in decline. In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, Karofi accused Tuggar of overseeing a “steady collapse” of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which has weakened the nation’s voice on the international stage. He argued that the minister’s diplomatic inertia, weak leadership, and failure to defend Nigeria’s image have eroded the country’s credibility abroad, leaving its interests neglected and its reputation maligned.
Karofi also criticized Tuggar for not countering international propaganda that portrays Nigeria as a state persecuting Christians or pursuing a “genocide agenda.” He said the minister’s silence has emboldened foreign actors to smear Nigeria unchecked, describing this as “gross negligence.” The activist painted a picture of a ministry mired in bureaucratic lethargy, with underfunded embassies, demoralized staff, and a lack of strategic direction. He listed several failures attributed to Tuggar’s tenure, including ineffective embassies, poor communication, and weak coordination among ministries.
The activist urged President Tinubu to remove Tuggar immediately and replace him with a “competent, energetic, and visionary diplomat” who can restore Nigeria’s global influence. He emphasized that the foreign affairs portfolio is critical to the country’s external image and economic prospects, stating that “foreign affairs is the face of Nigeria to the world.” Karofi’s call reflects his concern that Nigeria’s foreign image is “sinking fast” under the current minister.
The demand comes as Nigeria navigates complex global relationships and security challenges. Recent criticism of the country’s foreign policy points to a perceived lack of clear direction, underscoring the need for effective leadership in the foreign affairs ministry as Nigeria seeks to strengthen global partnerships and address regional instability.
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