Matthew Tawo Mbu Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria (1993). Date of Birth: 20.11.1929 Country: Nigeria

1. Early Political Career in Pre-Independence Nigeria
2. Rise to Prominence in Independent Nigeria
3. Diplomatic and Administrative Roles
4. Diplomatic Service and Foreign Affairs

Early Political Career in Pre-Independence Nigeria

Born into a prominent Nigerian family, the subject of this biography embarked on his political journey in the years leading up to Nigeria's independence. In 1952, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP), serving until 1955. During this period, he held ministerial positions as Minister of Labour (1954-1955) and later as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1955-1959).

Rise to Prominence in Independent Nigeria

Upon Nigeria's independence in 1960, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in the newly established republic. He concurrently served as Minister of Defence and Navy from 1960 to 1966. Following military coups in 1966 and 1967, he was appointed as Ambassador to the United States.

Diplomatic and Administrative Roles

From 1967 to 1979, he served as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission of Eastern Nigeria. Subsequently, he played a key role in the formation of the Nigerian People's Party (NPP) and its successor, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was Deputy Chairman of the NPP from 1979 to 1981 and of the NPN from 1981 to 1983.

Diplomatic Service and Foreign Affairs

In 1993, he attained the pinnacle of his diplomatic career when he was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria. He served in this role until his retirement from public service.