The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tuggar

  • Tuggar to ECOWAS: detach from colonial masters

    Tuggar to ECOWAS: detach from colonial masters

    • Regional ministers converge in Abuja for talks on trade, tariff, others

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has stressed importance of members of Economic Community of West African States to avoid neo-colonialism.

    Tuggar stressed the need to detach from colonial masters.

    This is as ECOWAS Foreign Affairs Ministers converge on Abuja to discuss issues on trade, industry and investment, with the aim of strengthening regional market and economic integration.

    Speaking at the opening of the  94th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers,  Tuggar said the meeting is another milestone in the region’s journey towards attaining objectives of the regional economic community.

    Tuggar, who chairs ECOWAS Council of Ministers, stressed  that “if you stay alone and isolated from your neighbours, you remain dependent on the former colonial master, forever consigning yourself to being an exporter of agricultural cash crops and raw materials to the metropolis.

    “Conversely, if you trade freely with your neighbours and develop infrastructure jointly to strengthen trade, you develop indigenous industries, collective self-reliance and take control.

    “Given that we have a youthful population, I feel it is necessary to remind ourselves that ECOWAS and Regional Integration in Africa was borne out of our yearning for economic decolonisation.”

    He said deliberations “will consider and reflect on reports and proposals on thematic and sectoral matters central to development and stability of our region.

    “These include critical issues on economic integration, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and institutional matters aimed at strengthening our community.”

    Read Also: Kaduna has no reason to vote against Tinubu in 2027 – Speaker Abbas

    Tuggar stressed “the agenda before us is extensive and multifaceted, reflecting complex realities of our region and institutional demands of our integration process.”

    He ended by saying members should approach the talks with collegiality, compromise and flexibility with a vision for a united regional economic community…’’

    “This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations, but also by the courage of our decisions. I encourage us all to engage in open, constructive and foresighted discussions. Let us draw on our diverse expertise, share best practices and work collaboratively to ensure that the decisions we make here will translate into meaningful outcomes for our member states and the citizens of our community.”

    On his part, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Alieu Omar Touray listed the areas of discussions before the ministers, which according to him bothers on very key sectors.

    He noted that the discussions will also consider the turning issue hindering trade and investment within the region.

    The non-tariff issues like trade liberalisation and the rest, he said, the regional body must do everything possible to remove the barrier.

    Touray said: “Your excellencies, the non-tariff barriers have become a perineal obstacle to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness and economic growth of our region. Despite numerous initiatives, including the Presidential Tasks Force on Trade Liberation Scheme, the problem persists.”

    Citing his personal experience traveling through the land borders in May, Touray said, “I travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou to see the situation along the regional corridor and the joint border post established at the Seme/Krake border between Nigeria and Benin. I saw first hand the challenges posed by non-tariff barriers along the corridor.

    “We must do everything to put an end to this and facilitate economic exchange across the region.”

    He therefore  urged ECOWAS Regional  Competition Authority (ERCA) and member states on the implementation of Competition and Consumer Protection Rules within ECOWAS and requested member states to take necessary measures for its  signature by the end of June 2025.

    He said: “Furthermore, the Ministers of Trade and Industry have considered the Cooperation Agreement between ERCA and member states on the implementation of Competition and Consumer Protection Rules within ECOWAS and requested member states to take necessary measures for its signature by the end of June 2025. The ministers also approved the Trade and Investment Promotion Strategy and urged member states to accelerate the ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement and the AfCFTA.

    “With regard to our Inter-regional and international trade, the Ministers also reviewed the West Africa – European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (WA-EU EPA) and recommended further national consultation with key stakeholders, in particular the private sector to propose a way forward. On the new US tariff policy, the ministers discussed the need to develop a regional response.”

  • ECOWAS must boost intra-regional trade to avoid neo-colonialism – Tuggar

    ECOWAS must boost intra-regional trade to avoid neo-colonialism – Tuggar

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify trade among themselves as a strategic move to break free from the grip of neo-colonialism.

    Speaking at the 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Tuggar emphasised the urgency of economic cooperation within the region, warning that continued isolation from neighbouring countries would only deepen dependence on former colonial powers.

    “If you remain isolated from your neighbours, you consign yourself to being a perpetual exporter of raw materials and agricultural produce to the metropolis,” Tuggar stated. “But by trading freely within the region and developing infrastructure together, we can build indigenous industries, strengthen self-reliance, and shape our collective destinies.”

    Tuggar, who chairs the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, described the session as a critical step toward achieving the region’s economic integration goals. He reiterated that ECOWAS and African regional integration efforts were founded on the desire for economic decolonisation and must not lose sight of that objective.

    The two-day meeting will focus on trade, industry, and investment promotion, with ministers expected to review reports and proposals vital to the region’s development and stability.

    “These include critical issues related to economic integration, infrastructure development, health, education, agriculture and manifold institutional matters aimed at strengthening our Community.”

    Tuggar stressed that “the Agenda before us is extensive and multifaceted, reflecting the complex realities of our region as well as the institutional demands of our integration process.”

    He concluded by saying that members should approach the discussions with an ethos of collegiality, compromise and flexibility with a broader vision for a strong, united and resilient Regional Economic Community.

    “This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations but also by the courage of our decisions. I encourage us all to engage in open, constructive and foresighted discussions. Let us draw on our diverse expertise, share best practices and work collaboratively to ensure that the decisions we make here will translate into meaningful outcomes for our Member States and the citizens of our Community,” he added.

    On his part, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray listed the areas of discussions before the ministers, which according to him bothers on very key sectors.

    He noted that the discussions will also consider the turning issue hindering trade and investment within the region.

    Non-Tariff issues like trade liberalisation and the rest, he said, the regional body must do everything possible to remove the barrier.

    Touray said, “Your excellencies, the non-tariff barriers have become a perennial obstacle to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness and economic growth of our region. Despite numerous initiatives, including the Presidential Task Force on Trade Liberation Scheme, the problem persists.”

    Citing his personal experience travelling through the land borders in May, Touray said, “I travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou to see the situation along the regional corridor and the joint border post established at the Seme/Krake border between Nigeria and Benin. I saw firsthand the challenges posed by non-tariff barriers along the corridor. “

    “We must do everything to put an end to this and facilitate economic exchange across the region.”

    He therefore urged ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and Member States on the implementation of Competition and Consumer Protection Rules within ECOWAS and requested Member States to take necessary measures for its signature by the end of June 2025.

    Read Also: Tuggar flays U.S. visa restrictions plan

    He said, “Furthermore, the Ministers of Trade and Industry have considered the Cooperation Agreement between ERCA and Member States on the implementation of Competition and Consumer Protection Rules within ECOWAS and requested Member States to take necessary measures for its signature by the end of June 2025. The ministers also approved the Trade and Investment Promotion Strategy and urged member states to accelerate the ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement and the AfCFTA.

    “With regard to our Inter-regional and international trade, the Ministers also reviewed the West Africa–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (WA-EU EPA) and recommended further national consultation with key stakeholders, in particular the private sector, to propose a way forward. On the new US tariff policy, the Ministers discussed the need to develop a regional response.

    The issues of standards and mutual recognition of inspection certificates are critical to both regional trade and industrialisation. In this regard, progress has been made regarding the industry Standards Harmonisation Model (ECOSHAM) document, the revised ECOWAS Quality Infrastructure Scheme document, the mutual recognition agreement for inspection certificates, and the fifty-eight (58) ECOWAS standards (ECOSTANDS) relating to the textile value chain.

    On the issue of security and political stability, he said, “We have secured an understanding with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on the need to work together to build confidence to collectively confront terrorism and violent extremism. We have also converged on the need to sustain the gains made under various ECOWAS protocols relating to economic integration, development programmes and social cohesion. With Guinea, discussions have resumed on political transition, and we are working to create the right environment for the people of Guinea to determine the political future of their country.”

  • Tuggar flays U.S. visa restrictions plan

    Tuggar flays U.S. visa restrictions plan

    TheMinister of Foreign Affairs,  Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has described as unfortunate the United States latest planned visa ban on West African States’ citizens.

    Tuggar,  who spoke yesterday at the opening of the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja, pointed out to the U.S. that the sub-region has lots to offer and should not be discarded just like that.

    President Donald Trump is said to be considering imposing fresh hurdles for Nigerian  travellers, other West African countries and a host of other African countries.

    The affected countries, according to report, are expected to meet new requirements laid down by the State Department within 60 days.

    Tuggar, who is also the chair of the Mediation and Security Council, said what the U.S. and other superpowers ought to do right now is to make deals with the sub-region.

    He said: “It would, therefore, be remiss of me if I did not mention the apparent recent decision by the Government of the United States to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions (Togo was on an earlier list). This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals. We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi.

    “We would like to do deals with the U.S., but visa restrictions are Non-Tarriff Barriers to deals. We in this part of the world are students of the Art of the Deal and have been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system.

    Read Also: Tuggar expresses Nigeria’s readiness to host WAES

    “ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need.

    “We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity; the only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?”

    Tuggar, who also double as the chair of the Mediation and Security Council, Tuggar said: “In these challenging times, our ability to come together to consult, collaborate and take decisive action remains vital to advancing peace, security and good governance across our region.”

    He said the meeting will deliberate on a number of key issues that directly address the stability, cohesion, and resilience of the region.

    The meeting is also expected to deliberate on the trends and developments in the transition process in the Republic of Guinea, as well as updates on the preparations for Presidential and Parliamentary elections in two other member states at the last quarter of the year.

    The meeting will consider other current challenges, including developments in maritime security, terrorism and transnational organised crime.

    Tuggar noted that the council will also review essential elements in the efforts to ensure the operational readiness and sustainability of the regional peace support architecture “with a view to consolidating our presence and improving impact on the ground”.

    Also, the issue of humanitarian and early warning domains is expected to be considered.

    On his part  the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Omar Touray, in his remarks, said the regional body is making progress in strengthening regional peace and security.

    He also listed some of the efforts made by the region in this regard, which include the ECOWAS Standby Force Logistics Concept and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies, the Supplementary Act relating to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

  • Tuggar expresses Nigeria’s readiness to host WAES

    Tuggar expresses Nigeria’s readiness to host WAES

    …says summit to promote integration and development in West Africa

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the forthcoming West African Economic Forum.

    The summit has been scheduled for 20th and 21st June 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

    Tuggar at a media parley on Monday noted that the forum, which is an initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening economic ties, unlocking investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development across West Africa.

    The minister explained that the summit is designed to foster regional integration and economic cooperation among member states.

    He said, “We’re not just talking about ECOWAS and ECOWAS states, but indeed to all states, businesses, private sector, development finance institutions that pertain to the West African region.

    “What we’re talking about is regional integration. What we’re doing with each other. How do we strengthen that so that we’re trading more?

    “The event aims to unlock investment opportunities by identifying and supporting investment-ready projects. Furthermore, the summit seeks to foster sustainable development by encouraging inclusive economic growth and development.

    “The event will feature a range of activities, including a deal room, business conferences, and cultural events showcasing the region’s rich heritage.

    “Overall, the West Africa Economic Summit promises to be a landmark event, driving regional integration, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering sustainable development in West Africa.

    Read Also: Tuggar seeks collaboration with China to deepen food security

    “With its unique approach and focus on private sector participation, the summit has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region.

    “The summit will provide a platform for governments and the private sector to engage and address concerns related to security and other issues affecting business in the region.”

    He also added, “The summit’s objectives align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ambitions, focusing on promoting intra-African trade by strengthening regional trade and investment.”

    Tuggar also pointed out that the initiative will be driven by the private sector.

    He stressed that it is the private sector that will drive the initiative, while the governments provide all the necessary support for them to excel.

    The minister also highlighted the importance of peace and security in the region, saying, “For business to take place, to thrive, the environment must be secure, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to address security challenges.”

    The minister also explained, “The summit is not modelled after the World Economic Forum in Davos, but rather a novel, homegrown African original idea

    “We’re focusing this administration on preferring homegrown solutions to our problem, instead of copying and pasting what exists in other regions.

    Tuggar also noted that the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, are invited for the summit.

  • Nigeria’s democracy a model for West African stability – Tuggar

    Nigeria’s democracy a model for West African stability – Tuggar

    As Nigerians celebrate Democracy Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has declared that the country’s democratic tradition is a stabilising force in the West African region.

    Amid growing political uncertainty, Tuggar said Nigeria’s democracy remains a model worthy of emulation.

    He made the statement in a press release signed by his spokesman, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

    12 June each year is commemorated as Democracy Day, marking the annulled presidential election of 12 June 1993, which is regarded as the freest and fairest election in the annals of democracy in Nigeria.

    The election was annulled by the then-Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The eventual winner of the election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, died in custody in July 1998.

    Analysts assert that Nigeria’s influence is crucial for maintaining regional order. As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria’s democratic health is frequently regarded as a barometer for West Africa’s political trajectory.

    Read Also: Tuggar mulls socio economic collaboration among West African states

    Tuggar in the statement noted that despite recent challenges across West Africa, including a surge in unconstitutional changes of government, Nigeria has maintained its democratic trajectory through regular elections, peaceful transitions of power, and adherence to constitutional norms.

    “Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” the Minister said. “Our democratic institutions may not be perfect, but they remain resilient. In a time when democracy is under assault in parts of West Africa, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate that the rule of law, electoral accountability, and civic participation are essential pillars for long-term peace and development.”

    Tuggar’s remarks come amidst ongoing efforts by ECOWAS to tackle the wave of military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional diplomacy, emphasising that democratic governance must remain central to ECOWAS’s conflict resolution strategy.

    In his address, Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s historical role in defending democracy in the region, from peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone to its leadership in recent ECOWAS deliberations on restoring civilian rule.

    “Democracy is not just an internal affair,” he added. “It is our strategic contribution to regional peace. Our progress strengthens the African democratic project as a whole.”

    He also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s path to economic recovery and political stability. He further stated that in the end, Nigeria will be better for it as the actions will lead to a future of shared prosperity. 

  • FOCAC: Tuggar pushes trade, tech talks in China

    FOCAC: Tuggar pushes trade, tech talks in China

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to having closer economic and diplomatic cooperation with China.

    Tugger told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in China that  tangible progress had been made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

    Tuggar described FOCAC as not just a forum for discussions but a platform for action.

    He spoke on the sidelines of Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of FOCAC Follow-up Actions in Changsha, Hunan Province.

    NAN reports that FOCAC, established in 2000, remains the cornerstone of Sino-African relations, providing a framework for cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges.

    Year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC, and over the past years, China has supported Africa in building or upgrading nearly 100,000km of roads and over 10,000km of railways.

    Also, over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million new jobs in Africa, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

    Tuggar’s remarks come at a time when Africa is increasingly looking to diversify its economy beyond natural resource exports, while positioning itself as a key player in the global technological race.

    He said that high-impact projects, such as the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant and the Lagos-Ibadan rail project,  had been made possible by Chinese support and investment.

    The minister also emphasised Nigeria’s ongoing negotiations with China to expand its zero-tariff access currently covering Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties with China.

    He urged that Nigeria be included in the broader zero-tariff framework for African countries to boost its export of key goods, including agricultural produce and minerals.

    “We want to see more domestication of the refining process and also domestication of value addition on the supply and value chain,” he said.

    Implementing zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines is one of the 10 partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation.

    China has continued to express readiness to support Africa to accelerate its industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

    Read Also: Tuggar seeks stronger West African cooperation for economic integration

    Tuggar raised concerns about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and satellite technologies, saying that Nigeria and the entire Africa should be included in the transformative sectors.

    He noted that the global landscape was rapidly changing, saying that it would be essential to not only engage but also to have benefits.

    Earlier,  in his keynote address, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, noted  130.32 billion yuan surge in financial support across Africa in the last nine months, and 139.95 billion yuan in insurance coverage for China-Africa cooperation.

    According to him, this is in addition to the expansion of trade opportunities for the continent’s LDCs.

    He said China was willing to collaborate with Africa to build a more stable and prosperous future.

    After the ministerial meeting will be the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, from June 12 to June 15, with the theme: “China and Africa: Together toward Modernisation”.

    The expo will attract participants from over 50 African countries including Nigeria, and will focus on agriculture, infrastructure development and industrial chain collaboration, among others.

  • Tuggar seeks stronger West African cooperation for economic integration

    Tuggar seeks stronger West African cooperation for economic integration

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for greater collaboration among West African nations to enhance economic growth and regional integration.

    Speaking at a Private Sector Roundtable held at the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, Tuggar emphasized the importance of harnessing the region’s collective market strength and demographic assets.

    The event was part of the lead-up to the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 20 to 21.

    Read Also: Tuggar seeks private sector-led ECOWAS integration

    Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s prominent economic role within the sub-region but noted that true progress depends on strategic partnerships among member states.

    “National strength alone is not sufficient enough to sustain long-term growth or to assert effective regional leadership. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the imperative is clear: West Africa must transcend fragmented national pursuits and pursue greater regional integration,” he said. 

    The Minister affirmed that by leveraging the collective demographic advantage of over 400 million people and unlocking the latent potential embedded in the region’s shared markets, West Africa we can cultivate a more resilient and inclusive regional economic architecture. 

    “Such a collaborative approach is not merely desirable; it is essential for sustainable development, competitive positioning, and the realisation of a common prosperity across the sub-region,” Tuggar stated.

    According to him, WAES focuses on deliverables, identifying the appropriate tools, policies, infrastructure, and financing, and deploying them to facilitate business in West Africa, making it faster, cheaper, and more predictable.

  • Nigeria to host West Africa economic summit in June 2025 – Tuggar

    Nigeria to host West Africa economic summit in June 2025 – Tuggar

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced Nigeria’s readiness to host the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) from June 20 to 21, 2025, at the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC).

    In a statement on Tuesday, Tuggar said the summit, themed *“West Africa Economic Summit: Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region,” will serve as a strategic platform for shaping the region’s economic future.

    He said WAES 2025 will convene Heads of State, Ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators from across West Africa and beyond.

    “As a government, we recognise that sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in West Africa are best achieved through enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration. WAES 2025 reflects this conviction,” Tuggar stated.

    The Minister described the summit as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the ECOWAS vision of a borderless, peaceful, and economically integrated West Africa. He added that the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    WAES 2025 will focus on key areas such as cross-border trade and logistics, regional macroeconomic stability, value chain development, and strengthened institutional cooperation, peace, and governance.

    Tuggar noted that the summit is a solutions-driven initiative aimed at creating a harmonised trade policy framework to eliminate barriers to intra-African commerce and investment.

    He added that WAES 2025 also seeks to mobilise resources for critical infrastructure, energy, and logistics; improve the free movement of goods and people; promote inclusive economic growth—particularly for women, youth, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and bolster economic resilience through innovation, institutional reforms, and strategic global partnerships.

    Read Also: Why ECOWAS is marking 50th anniversary in Lagos, by Tuggar

    The minister stated, “Will feature Presidential Roundtable and CEO Forum. A high-level dialogue between Heads of State and business leaders, culminating in a Joint Communiqué that articulates shared regional priorities and a concrete plan of action.

    The summit Tuggar further said will provide a platform for Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions aimed at securing landmark investment deals across strategic sectors including infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital finance.

    He also disclosed that there will be an exhibition of over 100 investment-ready SMEs and regional development projects, fostering cross-border business linkages and reinforcing the role of the private sector in advancing the AfCFTA.

    The youths are not left out of the summit, as the minister stated.

    He pointed out that the Youth and Cultural Empowerment Series will be accommodated in the event.

    “Events such as the West Africa Art Exhibition, Innovation Pitch, and Youth Leadership Panels will showcase the region’s rich creative energy and the ingenuity of our youth,” the minister said.

  • Why ECOWAS is marking 50th anniversary in Lagos, by Tuggar

    Why ECOWAS is marking 50th anniversary in Lagos, by Tuggar

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has explained the choice of Lagos for the 50th Economic Community of West African States anniversary celebration.

    Tuggar said Lagos became the obvious choice as the treaty establishing the regional body was signed in Lagos in 1975.

    The minister made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday while briefing reporters on the planned programme of activities to mark the milestone

    He said ECOWAS has achieved so much despite the recent withdrawal of the Alliance of States of Sahel countries – Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger.

    Given a rundown of activities for the celebration, Tuggar said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside other Heads of governments of other member states will be gathering in Lagos for the occasion.

    Nigeria’s former Military  Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), who is the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, is expected to grace the occasion.

    The minister said the occasion will be held at the popular National Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the region was born.

    Read Also: Govt gives panel four weeks to design disposal plan for 753-unit Abuja estate

    He said: “The President, by virtue of being the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS will be present, and so will other leaders from the countries, the states that constitute ECOWAS. And, of course, the event is in two parts. One, first and foremost, to take place at the National Institute of International Affairs, which is where ECOWAS itself was born, and one of the august participants will be the only surviving founding leader, founding head of state of ECOWAS, and the person of the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowan, will be present.

    Thereafter the celebration will move to the Eko Hotel and Suites.

    Other activities outlined include panel discussions and youth forum.

    The minister explained that the celebration is “essentially, an exercise for the revalidation of the commitment that the member countries have to ECOWAS after 50 years.”

    He also noted that the  celebration also aimed at showcasing “the achievements of ECOWAS, because unfortunately we have been distracted in recent times by the exit of three member countries, so more attention is paid to that as to some of the remarkable achievements of ECOWAS.”

  • Tuggar seeks partnership to tackle global challenges

    Tuggar seeks partnership to tackle global challenges

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for collaboration amongst members of international community in tackling global challenges.

    This is as Tuggar re-affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism.

    He spoke at the European Union–African Union Ministerial Follow-Up Committee and the 3rd EU–AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

    Tuggar, according to his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, also acknowledged the EU’s enduring support for African-led initiatives.

    He outlined a familiar but pressing list of issues as including the proliferation of small weapons; climate change; violent extremism; irregular migration; the fragility of democracy; technology, trade and markets. Tuggar challenged the routine nature of such discussions, urging his counterparts to move beyond recitation and towards genuine reflection.

    “At this point, typically, we all nod and pledge further collective action. And we have indeed seen many positives.

     “But I wonder if perhaps our focus on the symptoms of despair and conflict obscure our vision of the underlying cause and how best we manage the condition,” he said.

    Pointing to the broader international context, the minister warned of an increasingly fragile global framework.

    Read Also: Tinubu dismisses one-party state fears

    “We are here today as one of the most prominent expressions of faith in multilateral agencies, a rules-based international order and the search for common solutions to common problems. And yet we know that it is a framework that has never appeared so fragile,” the minister said.

    He cited the disruptive roles played by non-state actors, disinformation and unregulated digital currencies—factors that pose existential risks to nations rich and poor alike.

    Tuggar, the statement further read, “reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in multilateralism and the promise of strategic partnerships’.

    He highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nigeria’s stake in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and regional gains within ECOWAS, including freedom of movement as a viable economic alternative for African youth.

    “Nigeria believes that agencies survive only when they can adapt to circumstance,” he said, while reiterating Nigeria’s long standing calls for UN reform, fairer trade, and equitable access to capital. “Little was done,” he observed, “and into that emerging vacuum we now face even greater uncertainty.”

    He addressed the internal pressures faced by African governments—struggling to meet rising public expectations with limited capacity.

     “It’s a process that crowds out serious debate and empowers political snake oil salesmen,” he warned, noting that while West Africa has witnessed several coups in recent years, “the crisis of democracy is global”.

    “Drawing on his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Tuggar referenced the simultaneous popularity of two seminal works—Jean Raspail’s Camp des Saints and Hannah Arendt’s Origins of Totalitarianism.

    “We should recognise the fears expressed in the former and the lessons in the latter,” he said. “We cannot allow our responsibilities to be diluted by our rights. The truth is not a supermarket, to be picked or discarded according to taste.”

    He noted the double standards in global responses to hate speech and disinformation. “We were told online hate speech in Africa was the price of freedom; when it happens here, arrests follow.”