The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its foreign policy, ensuring that Nigerian citizens are treated with dignity worldwide.
He assured that recent advancements have bolstered confidence in the Nigerian passport, eliminating cases of humiliation for Nigerians abroad.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Tuggar outlined key diplomatic and economic achievements under his leadership.
Among these was Nigeria’s recent Eurobond success, which saw an impressive 300% oversubscription, signaling strong global investor confidence in the country’s economy.
Highlighting major diplomatic milestones, the minister revealed that the United States had repatriated $52.8 million to Nigeria as part of ongoing economic cooperation.
He emphasized the government’s focus on “robust citizen diplomacy,” which has led to improved treatment of Nigerians internationally, increased high-level diplomatic engagements, and stronger ties with the diaspora community.
As part of its diaspora engagement efforts, the ministry launched the Nigerians in Diaspora Database, which has now registered over 11,000 individuals.
This initiative aims to enhance policy planning and foster closer relationships between the government and Nigerians abroad.
Economic and Trade Partnerships
The ministry has also facilitated significant economic partnerships, including:
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on solid minerals exploration.
• A $2 billion investment secured for the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project.
• A renewable energy agreement between Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany’s DWS Group.
• A $500 million deal to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Germany.
• $14 billion in investment commitments from Indian investors across multiple sectors.
• Bilateral agreements with Kuwait to enhance economic cooperation.
• A €250 million investment from the Netherlands to boost businesses in Nigeria.
• The establishment of a Joint Business Council with Qatar to promote trade, economic growth, and food security.
Furthermore, Russia has pledged support for Nigeria’s military by providing equipment and training, while a $500 million gas field licensing agreement is being finalized with Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening Global Alliances
Nigeria has also reinforced its influence on the global stage by:
• Chairing key ECOWAS summits on regional security and political stability.
• Securing the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
• Retaining its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for another three years.
Under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), designed to foster regional economic integration, 965 Nigerian companies with 11,160 registered products have benefited as of September 30, 2024.
Commitment to Press Freedom
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to upholding press freedom and fostering a conducive environment for media practice. He emphasized that the administration values constructive criticism and recognizes the role of a free and responsible press in strengthening democracy and national development.
According to Idris, “President Tinubu, as a dedicated democrat, is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Nigerians while encouraging healthy opposition to deepen our democratic framework.”
