Born on March 12, 1967, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is a prominent Nigerian political figure. He served as the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany from 2017-2023. Before that, Tuggar represented Gamawa in the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2007-2011. Additionally, he has twice contended for the gubernatorial position of Bauchi State.
Tuggar’s political journey can be traced back to his early days. He was born into a renowned political lineage in Bauchi State’s Gamawa region. His father held the prestigious position of Organizing Secretary for the Northern People’s Congress around the time of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960. He later became a Senator during the Second Nigerian Republic.
Educationally, Tuggar boasts an impressive resume. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in international relations from the United States International University. Furthermore, he pursued higher studies at the University of Bath and earned a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge.
Professionally, before diving into politics, Tuggar made significant contributions to the private sector. He was the CEO of Nordic Oil and Gas Services, a leading energy consulting firm. His expertise also extends to journalism, having penned various political and economic articles for Nigerian publications.
As a representative for Gamawa in the Nigerian House of Representatives between 2007-2011, Tuggar took on the role of Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement. This committee was instrumental in ensuring transparency in government expenditures, especially in sectors like oil and gas, education, health, and water resources. Tuggar was pivotal in establishing the National Council on Public Procurement. He was also actively involved in local content bills related to the oil and gas industry and even championed a bill addressing the inhumane transport of livestock.
In 2011, Tuggar’s aspirations led him to contest for the Governor of Bauchi State under the banner of the Congress for Progressive Change. However, the election process was tainted by allegations of fraud and violence, and Tuggar finished second. By 2013, he became a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and again ran for governorship, securing the third position.
Tuggar’s diplomatic credentials were further solidified in August 2017 when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany. His ambassadorship is marked by significant events, such as his involvement in the 23rd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and facilitating German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s state visit to Nigeria in 2018.
In a noteworthy incident in March 2020, after a meeting with Siemens in Germany regarding Nigerian power projects, the presidential chief of staff, Abba Kyari, tested positive for COVID-19. Tuggar promptly ordered the Berlin embassy’s closure. Tragically, Kyari passed away in April of that year.
One of Tuggar’s monumental accomplishments as Ambassador was securing the return of 22 invaluable Benin Bronze artifacts from Germany, a collection worth over 100 million pounds.
On August 21, 2023, marking the end of his ambassadorship, Tuggar took on his latest role as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, sworn in by Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
