The Nigerian foreign ministry is a statutory body which was created to promote Nigeria's domestic vision and ideals abroad. More recently, its mission has been aligned towards increasing awareness about Nigeria's economic potential. The ministry is part of the executive branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The ministry is headed by the Foreign Minister of Nigeria.
From 1961 to 1965, Jaja Wachuku was the first substantive Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Common wealth Relations. The ministry was later officially called Ministry of External Affairs and today it is referred to as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was the Prime Minister after independence also doubled as Foreign Affairs advocate of Nigeria from 1960 to 1961.
In 1961, the Balewa government created an official Foreign Affairs and Common wealth Relations ministerial position and Jaja Wachuku became, the first substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations of Nigeria from 1961 to 1965.
2011–present
Olugbenga Ashiru
2010–2011
Henry Odein Ajumogobia
2007–2010
Ojo Maduekwe
2006–2007
Joy Ogwu
2006-2006
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
2003–2006
Oluyemi Adeniji
1999–2003
Sule Lamido
1998–1999
Ignatius Olisemeka
1995–1998
Tom Ikimi
1993–1995
Babagana Kingibe
1993-1993
Matthew Mbu
1990–1993
Ike Nwachukwu
1989–1990
Rilwan Lukman
1987–1989
Ike Nwachukwu
1985–1987
Bolaji Akinyemi
1984–1985
Ibrahim Gambari
1983-1983
Emeka Anyaoku
1979–1983
Ishaya Audu
1978–1979
Henry Adefope
1975–1978
Joseph Nanven Garba
1967–1975
Arikpo Okoi
1966–1967
Yakubu Gowon
1965–1966
Nuhu Bamalli
1961–1965
Jaja Wachuku
Democracy Day - 29th May 2012 the office would be closed
Office would be closed on October 1, 2012 for Independence Day.
