Sexual Harassment Allegations Rock Foreign Affairs Ministry As Tuggar Petitions Head Of Service Over Permanent Secretary

Minister of Foreign Affairs seeks urgent investigation after senior ministry official accused of repeated sexual advances by married female employee represented by Falana

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By Baron Eloagu / ABUJA, Nigeria / May 27, 2024

Fresh controversy has erupted within Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following formal allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has formally petitioned the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, requesting urgent attention and investigation into the allegations.

The development has triggered intense discussions within diplomatic and civil service circles, raising broader concerns about workplace misconduct, accountability, and internal complaint mechanisms within Nigeria’s public institutions.

Minister Raises Alarm Over “Serious” Allegations

In an official communication dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar reportedly informed the Head of Service about what he described as a matter of grave concern requiring urgent institutional response.

According to details contained in the letter, the complaint was submitted by a married female employee of the ministry through her legal representative, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN.

The complainant allegedly accused Ambassador Lamuwa of persistent and unwelcome sexual advances during the course of official interactions.

Tuggar, in the letter, stressed the seriousness of the accusations and called for appropriate handling of the matter in line with public service regulations and due process.

“I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment,” the minister reportedly stated.

Complaint Said To Include Documentary Evidence

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the minister attached copies of the formal complaint and supporting correspondence received via email to assist the investigation process.

Although details of the alleged incidents have not been fully disclosed publicly, insiders within the ministry described the allegations as sensitive and potentially damaging to the image of the Foreign Affairs Ministry if not transparently handled.

The complainant’s decision to engage Femi Falana, SAN, one of Nigeria’s most prominent legal advocates, has further amplified public and institutional attention surrounding the case.

Pressure Mounts On Civil Service Authorities

The case is expected to place significant pressure on the Office of the Head of Service to demonstrate impartiality and transparency in handling allegations involving high-ranking government officials.

Public policy analysts note that accusations of sexual harassment within Nigeria’s civil service often remain underreported due to fear of retaliation, institutional hierarchy, stigma, and concerns over career consequences.

Advocates for workplace rights argue that the outcome of the case could influence confidence in internal accountability systems across federal ministries and agencies.

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Foreign Affairs Ministry Under Public Scrutiny

The allegations have also drawn attention to broader concerns surrounding workplace culture and gender relations within Nigeria’s diplomatic and public service institutions.

Analysts say ministries handling international relations are often expected to maintain high ethical standards because of their visibility and strategic national role.

The controversy now threatens to place the Foreign Affairs Ministry under increased public and media scrutiny at a time Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its global diplomatic reputation.

Tuggar’s Response Seen As Attempt At Institutional Transparency

Observers within government circles say Tuggar’s decision to formally escalate the complaint to the Head of Service reflects an attempt to avoid allegations of internal suppression or cover-up.

The minister reportedly assured the Head of Service of his full cooperation with any investigative process and emphasised the importance of addressing the matter urgently and professionally.

Governance experts say such actions could signal growing sensitivity within sections of government toward issues of workplace ethics and institutional accountability.

Legal And Administrative Implications

Legal experts note that if substantiated, allegations of sexual harassment within the federal civil service may attract disciplinary, administrative, and potentially legal consequences depending on the findings of investigators.

The matter could also reopen debates about the absence of stronger enforcement mechanisms against workplace harassment in public institutions.

Human rights groups have repeatedly called for more robust reporting frameworks, whistleblower protections, and gender-sensitive workplace policies across government agencies.

Silence From Accused Official

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official public response from Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa regarding the allegations.

It also remained unclear whether the Office of the Head of Service had formally commenced investigative proceedings or constituted any disciplinary panel.

The allegations against the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have exposed deeper questions about workplace accountability, power dynamics, and institutional transparency within Nigeria’s civil service system.

As pressure mounts for a thorough and impartial investigation, the handling of the case is likely to become a major test of the federal government’s commitment to ethical standards, employee protection, and justice within public institutions.

For many observers, the issue now extends beyond the individuals involved and speaks directly to the credibility of Nigeria’s broader public service accountability framework.