Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is set to chair the Bridge Club’s 2026 Grand End-of-Year Event, themed “Xenophobia Contradicts Pan-Africanism,” scheduled to take place on today in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Bridge Club, a fellowship of accomplished professionals and business leaders committed to intellectual engagement and constructive dialogue on issues affecting Nigeria and the wider world, said this year’s gathering will examine the ideals of African solidarity against the backdrop of growing concerns over xenophobia, migration and regional integration.
In its invitation to Ambassador Tuggar, the Club explained that the event would explore the “ideals of African solidarity, the challenges of migration, the protection of human dignity and the practical measures required to advance cooperation and integration across the continent.”
As Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Tuggar will preside over the proceedings, drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience and longstanding advocacy for a foreign-policy framework anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, popularly known as the 4D doctrine.
His experience in international diplomacy, regional cooperation and the protection of the interests of Nigerians abroad is expected to bring valuable perspectives to discussions on the challenges of xenophobia and the practical steps required to translate the ideals of Pan-Africanism into meaningful cooperation among African nations.
In its correspondence, the Bridge Club underscored the relevance of the conference theme to contemporary African realities and the importance of Ambassador Tuggar’s participation.
“At a time when xenophobia, economic migration and tensions over the movement of people continue to challenge the African continent, the ideals of Pan-Africanism require renewed commitment and practical expression.
“We believe that your presence and opening reflections would help bridge the gap between the aspirations of African solidarity and the realities of contemporary diplomacy, particularly in promoting the protection of Africans abroad, mutually beneficial relations among African states and greater economic opportunities for our people,” the Club wrote.
Kenyan lawyer and activist, Professor Patrick Lumumba will deliver the keynote address at the occasion; afterwards, the event will host a panel discussion to be moderated by renowned journalist, Katarina Ahmed.
Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is a Nigerian diplomat, politician and businessman who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from August 2023 to March 2026 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Before his appointment as Minister, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023, having previously represented the Gamawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011.
Widely recognised for his emphasis on economic diplomacy and the strategic use of foreign policy to advance national development, Tuggar championed Nigeria’s 4D foreign-policy doctrine during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The doctrine, built around Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, sought to position Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements as instruments for attracting investment, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening democratic institutions and leveraging the potential of Nigerians at home and abroad.
His tenure also saw efforts to deepen Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic partnerships with countries including India, the Netherlands, Germany and Brazil, with major investment commitments associated with these engagements.
Beyond economic diplomacy, Tuggar played a role in strengthening Nigeria’s multilateral engagements, advancing regional trade and addressing political and security challenges across West Africa.
His participation in the Bridge Club event is expected to enrich discussions on how African countries can move beyond the rhetoric of continental solidarity towards practical policies that protect the dignity of Africans, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen economic integration across the continent.
