As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is set to marks its second year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, has provided a comprehensive update on Nigeria’s diplomatic progress, emphasizing the country’s strengthened global image, strategic economic partnerships, and commitment to citizens’ welfare abroad.
Tuggar underscored that one of the administration’s top priorities has been redeeming and glorifying Nigeria’s reputation internationally. He highlighted efforts to ensure the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad, adopting a zero-tolerance approach to their humiliation, regardless of status.
A notable success was the diplomatic intervention that led to the release of Jesse Ode, a young Nigerian detained in a foreign country for years despite orders for his release. Similarly, three Nigerian women—Fatima Kannai Gamboi, Hadiza Abba, and Fatima Umate Malah—were freed from wrongful detention in the Middle East. The administration also facilitated the return of several Nigerians who overstayed their visas in an African country, securing their release and providing them with flights back home.
Nigeria has actively engaged with global partners to attract foreign investment and boost key sectors. Tuggar highlighted the $14 billion investment commitment from India, emphasizing that such funds take time to materialize due to project implementation phases.
The Ministry also successfully negotiated a partnership between Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and Geoscan for lithium mining and exploration. To maximize benefits, the administration has prioritized domestic processing to prevent raw material exports without value addition.
In the Middle East, Nigeria is fostering collaboration with Saudi Arabia to enhance food security, leveraging the kingdom’s $7.7 trillion halal economy. Agreements have also been reached with Egypt on investments in river basin development, and Bahrain has expressed interest in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Additionally, Nigeria expanded its territorial waters under Tinubu’s leadership, finalizing the long-pending extension of its continental shelf.
Nigeria has played an active role in global diplomacy, balancing its foreign policy to align with moral and ethical standards. The country has stood in solidarity with Ukraine at the United Nations while also supporting Palestine. Behind the scenes, Nigeria negotiated the safe evacuation of infants from Gaza to Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE for medical treatment.
Nigeria’s growing influence is evident in its participation in the G20 as a regular invitee. Tuggar noted invitations from India, Brazil, and South Africa, underscoring the country’s increasing role in shaping global economic discussions.
Relations with China have also advanced, with Nigeria securing approval to export key agricultural products such as groundnuts, cashews, and ginger. The administration also expanded the currency swap agreement with China to ease trade and investment.
Nigeria successfully lobbied for the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), ensuring African exports to the U.S. remain tariff-free. However, the administration is advocating for finished products rather than raw materials to be exported, with investments in polymer and synthetic material production.
A landmark $3.5 billion steel plant is currently under construction in Akwa Ibom, spearheaded by India’s Jindal Group. Additionally, Brazil’s JBS, the world’s largest livestock company, is investing in Nigeria’s livestock and feed production, following Tinubu’s visit to South America. The recently signed $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project, covering all 774 local governments, will further drive agricultural mechanization.
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Moreover, Nigeria is in discussions with Brazil on processing niobium, a strategic mineral used in high-tech applications. These revived diplomatic engagements are unlocking opportunities that had long remained dormant.
Nigeria’s diplomatic prowess was reaffirmed in the recent African Union elections, where it swept all positions without extravagant campaign spending. The country secured a seat on the Peace and Security Council and re-elected Bankole Adeoye as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, leveraging Nigeria’s goodwill rather than financial incentives.
Recognizing the global push for artificial intelligence and big data, Nigeria is engaging with U.S. tech firms to explore opportunities in gas-powered data mining and digital infrastructure development. Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves could support AI-driven industries and tech investments.
The administration is also fostering digital transformation in passport and visa issuance through collaborations between the Ministry of Interior and international partners.
The minister acknowledged that through challenges remain, the government’s efforts are gradually reshaping Nigeria’s international image and positioning the country as a formidable player on the world stage.
