Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to project Nigeria in a positive global image to attract foreign investments while safeguarding its citizens at home and abroad.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, who stated this at the fifth session of the ministerial briefing in Abuja, Nigeria, also said there is need to leveraging diplomacy for national growth and economic development.
“On economic diplomacy, Nigeria has secured major foreign investments, including a $14 billion commitment from India, an $8 billion expansion deal with Indorama, and a $3.5 billion steel plant investment in Akwa Ibom. Another €250 million for local businesses. There is a need to shift from raw material exports to value-added products in agriculture, textiles, and synthetic materials.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister further, noted that the ministry has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ten countries to enhance bilateral relations.
“Nigeria achieved 300% over subscription indicates strong global investor confidence and strategic MOUs Signed with Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and Equatorial Guinea, France, Cuba, Qatar, UK, India, Brazil,” he said
He emphasized the efforts to redeem Nigeria’s image internationally, noting that the country now enjoys improved diplomatic relations and respect on the global stage.
“The most important thing that we’ve been doing, in my opinion, is redeeming Nigeria’s image abroad. When I say redeeming Nigeria’s image abroad, I’m talking about compensating for any faults that we may have projected. And I think we’ve succeeded in that. The next stage is really to exalt and glorify Nigeria’s image abroad. In terms of redemption, we now have a good image. I’m confident to say that. Now, how have we been able to do that? We have done that by restoring the dignity of Nigerian citizens in other countries. And by having a zero tolerance for the humiliation of Nigerians anywhere in the world, it doesn’t matter how high or how low.” he said
While addressing concerns regarding the delay in the nomination of ambassadors, the Minister attributed it to the inherent nature of governance and political processes
He gave reassurance that the list of ambassadorial nominees would soon be forwarded to the Senate for approval.
“The delayed nomination of ambassadors is what it is. It is the nature of governance and politics. You work with the circumstances you find yourself. Nominations have been concluded and will be submitted in the near future. I want to assure you that in the near future, names of the nominated ambassadors will be forwarded to the Senate. It is something that is more or less concluded,” he said
Ambassador Tuggar, also disclosed that: “We have mission officers running the embassies for now. We have immigration, defence, military officers, and several others. It does not mean that the missions are halted simply because an ambassador has not been appointed. Our missions are functioning,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted achievements made including restoring Nigeria globally, amplifying its voice in multilateral and bilateral forums, and implementing the 4-D foreign policy.
“The 4-D policy doctrine clearly defines Nigeria’s global role, interest, and active international engagement. Imagine Nigeria where every citizen walks into any embassy, airport, or business negotiation, not with fear or intimidation but with confidence. Imagine Nigeria whose passport opens doors, whose businesses lead global markets, and whose voice is not just heard but respected. That Nigeria is no longer a dream. Nigeria’s foundation is being laid by President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy doctrine”.
In regional diplomacy, he added that Nigeria has secured key positions at the African Union without financial lobbying while announcing that Abuja will be hosting the new African Central Bank, a move expected to benefit Nigerian startups and fintech companies.
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