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FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
… Tuggar Insists Constitutional Governance Solutions to Terrorism
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has concluded plan to appoint undersecretaries as part of its foreign policy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has said.
Tuggar also said that the threat to peace from terrorism and irridentism in the Sahel can only be countered with a solid foundational basis of constitutional governance, strong democratic institutions and an alliance of democratic countries in the region.
The Minister said plans are underway to reintroduce underscretaries to enable the federal government achieve the set foreign policy agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Tuggar made the disclosure while presenting a paper: “The Foreign Policy Agenda under the Tinubu Administration” at the Annual Lecture of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He explained that Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy (Democracy, Diaspora, Demography and Development) could be attained in a technology-driven foreign affairs ministry with appropriate bureaucracy.
The Minister noted that: “None of these (4Ds) will be possible without reforming our workplace- the Ministry- into a technology-driven environment with the right bureaucracy to achieve our smart objectives.
“The reform is already in place and we are improving the working terms and conditions of the ministry’s staff.”
Tuggar said: “We also intend to bring back the system of undersecretaries in the New Year, with the return of several senior ambassadors.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives still exist and are entailed in the country’s constitution.
“With regards to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, they exist and remain immovable because they are enshrined in our constitution.
“They are: to promote and protect Nigeria’s national interest, to promote African integration and support African unity, promote international co-operation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among all nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda that catalogued President Bola Tinubu’s promises to Nigerians during the Presidential campaign further elucidated three objectives: to protect against all forms of external aggression; promote the best possible outcomes for Nigeria in all engagements with other nations; improve Nigeria’s standing and dignity among the comity of nations,” he said.
On reemergence of coup d’etat in West Africa, the Minister noted that the illusion that military regimes may somehow be better equipped to fight terrorists and separatists remains just that, stressing that soldiers are prone to turning their guns on each other instead of terrorists, in their contestation for control of the capital metropolis.
He said: “This leaves the periphery and border areas more at the mercy of non-state actors, creating more insecurity and instability to neighbouring countries and the region as a whole.”
The Minister while some citing instances, said many countercoups have been encountered in West Africa and perhaps more to come adding that Burkina Faso government currently only controls less than 40% of its territory.
He therefore maintained that it is incumbent on Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy (and serendipitously Chair of ECOWAS) to pull its weight ally with other democracies and constitutional governments to reverse this deadly trend.
“Nigeria and ECOWAS’s role in the successful elections in Liberia and President George Weah’s noble concession is an indication of what can be achieved through Diplomacy. But the Democracy in 4-D also calls for Democracy in global organisations and institutions that remain exclusive clubs under sketchy criteria.” He added.
In his remarks, the President ARCAN, Amb. John Shinkaiye stated that the formulation and execution of the foreign policy of the country is crucial as decisions made in this aspect of the nation’s governance have far reaching implications for Nigeria, the West Africa region, the African continent, and even beyond.
He said: “It is important therefore that the new government sets appropriate
priorities and strategies and identify potential challenges that the government may face.
“It is recognised that Nigeria’s foreign policy will be shaped by, among other
things, a combination of domestic factors and imperatives, regional dynamics and global realities.
“Understanding how these factors can affect the country’s position on
many key issues, including security, economic cooperation, relations with other countries and the international community at large, is very important to the success of the Tinubu administration,” Shinkaiye advised.
Shinkaiye also said ARCAN was also disposed to exchange views with other arms of government with interest in the implementation of the nation’s foreign policy.
FG to Reintroduce Undersecretaries into Its Foreign Policy Administration
News
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.
As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.
A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.
The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.
At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.
Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.
“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.
“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.
He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.
“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
News
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ASC Akinyode Mustapha, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen following the interception of a vehicle loaded with cannabis in Imeko area of Ogun State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that a team of officers from the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, led by DSC Ogundana Oluwademi, had on Feb. 2, at about 11:40 p.m., intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with suspected cannabis at Oke-Agbede via Imeko.
The driver of the vehicle, however, escaped on foot.
“While the team was returning to Lagos with the seized exhibit vehicle, they came under gunfire by unknown assailants at the Immigration checkpoint, Idofa, Imeko,” the sources said.
The sources added that a bullet struck ASC Akinyode Mustapha, aged 50, during the attack.
He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ilaro, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
Upon receipt of the report on Feb. 4 at about 3:30 p.m., security forces stormed the scene. No expended ammunition or cartridge was recovered at the location, and photographs of the scene were taken.
The team leader reportedly released the corpse to the deceased’s family for burial, while the seized exhibit vehicle had earlier been taken to the NCS base in Lagos.
The sources said preliminary investigation was ongoing to verify the claims and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Further developments will be communicated, the command said.
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
News
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama
***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.
He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.
The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said
VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.
The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.
“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.
Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.
Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.
“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”
The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.
On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.
“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.
Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
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