Tag: Yusuf Tuggar

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has emphasised the country’s unwavering commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with France and adhering to constitutionally enshrined foreign policy principles, dismissing speculations about a potential rift between both nations.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday with Arise News, Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities while addressing regional and international concerns. 

Tuggar made it clear that Nigeria has no intention of severing its long-standing relationship with France, despite shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Africa.

He said: “Nigeria has no intention of cutting ties with France or any of our longstanding international partners.”

Tuggar underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as security, trade, and cultural exchange, citing France’s role as a vital partner in fostering regional stability and economic growth. 

“Our collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts and other critical areas speaks to the strength of this partnership,” Tuggar noted, adding that recent changes within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not signal hostility towards France. 

Tuggar framed the evolving dynamics as opportunities for African countries to redefine their relationships with international partners based on mutual respect.

“These changes provide an opportunity to reshape relationships based on shared objectives,” he said. 

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Tuggar highlighted that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives are firmly grounded in its Constitution, independent of party manifestos or individual agendas.

He elaborated on Nigeria’s key foreign policy considerations: national interests, Africa’s unity, treaty obligations, and economic partnerships.

“Our foreign policy is about building bridges, not burning them,” he added, urging stakeholders to view Nigeria’s global engagements through the lens of constructive diplomacy. 

Tuggar also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic missions operating without appointed ambassadors. He clarified that the missions remain functional and that ambassadorial appointments are the prerogative of the presidency.

“We have 109 missions globally, and they are staffed with diplomats of various ranks who ensure operations continue,” he said. 

On the withdrawal of some countries from ECOWAS, Tuggar acknowledged the challenges but dismissed fears of the organisation’s collapse.

“It’s significant, but it doesn’t mean that’s the end of ECOWAS. Nigeria is focused on resolving the underlying issues,” he said, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in combating terrorism. 

Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the country’s advocacy for Africa’s representation.

“Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts, along with other nations, have been instrumental in pushing for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the Security Council,” he stated. 

Reflecting on regional partnerships, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s role in promoting democracy and constitutional governance.

“We can learn from neighbouring democracies as we work towards shared goals that safeguard freedoms and uphold constitutional principles,” he noted. 

Through these clarifications, Tuggar sought to reinforce Nigeria’s role as a constructive and influential player in international diplomacy, underscoring dialogue, cooperation, and adherence to constitutional values as guiding principles.

“Our approach is one of dialogue and collaboration, not confrontation,” Tuggar concluded, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and mutual respect. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar yesterday assured the government and people of the Republic of Niger of Nigeria’s respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and regional harmony in West Africa.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the minister expressed concern about recent statements from the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, Abdourahman Tchiani.

He said Nigeria remained steadfast in its desire for dialogue, which he described as the cornerstone for sustainable solutions.

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The statement reads: “We reaffirm our respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in alignment with ECOWAS principles.

“We welcome and encourage open, constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us in candid discussions to address mutual concerns.

“We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as a collective support, to alleviate the humanitarian impact on our border communities.

“We call upon regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening divisions.

“Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace. We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together towards a more prosperous and stable future for our people.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected to chair the 53rd Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council of the ECOWAS Commission which will hold in Abuja.

The Minister, according to a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also preside over the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers scheduled for Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December 2024.  

Ebienfa said issues that will foster development, peace and security, and as well as good governance in the sub-region will dominate discussions. 

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The statement reads: “The Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, will chair the 53rd Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council of the ECOWAS Commission which will hold at the ECOWAS Commission, Asokoro, Abuja on Wednesday, 11th December 2024

“The Honourable Minister will also preside over the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers that is scheduled for Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December 2024.  

“The sessions are expected to deliberate on issues that will foster development, peace and security, and as well as good governance in the sub-region.”

…describes Tinubu’s France outing as a resounding success

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has called for patience and long-term thinking in assessing Nigeria’s international agreements and diplomatic efforts, stressing that such engagements cannot yield instant results. 

Speaking to reporters about the outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s recent diplomatic visit to France, Tuggar described the trip as a “resounding success” but emphasized the gradual nature of diplomacy.

“We shouldn’t view diplomacy and international relations as if it’s a marketplace transaction. It takes time. There must first be a framework, then agreements, and subsequently, collaboration between businesses”, he said. 

The minister highlighted the government’s role in creating an environment where businesses can capitalize on the opportunities unlocked by international agreements. 

He pointed to ongoing reforms designed to make Nigeria more attractive to foreign investors as a reflection of the administration’s commitment.

Tuggar outlined significant achievements from the trip, including a $2.4 billion agriculture investment secured during the G20 Leaders Summit in Brazil and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed in France. 

He noted that President Tinubu made food security a top priority during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, who responded positively. 

“The president emphasized the importance of food security to his administration. Macron has responded positively”, Tuggar said. 

The talks also revealed Nigeria’s extensive reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, which Tuggar described as a “revelation” to the French delegation. 

This development spurred President Macron to call for a new MoU on critical minerals to be reviewed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice.

Discussions extended into other critical sectors, including clean energy and infrastructure. 

Tuggar highlighted President Tinubu’s interest in developing safe, non-military nuclear energy and solar power as areas for collaboration with France. 

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On security, Tuggar noted a shift in France’s approach to West Africa, with President Macron acknowledging past mistakes and seeking Nigeria’s guidance on counterterrorism initiatives. 

“The French have acknowledged their past mistakes and recognize that Nigeria’s involvement is crucial to any efforts in securing West Africa,” he said.

Domestically, Tuggar emphasized the importance of ongoing reforms to create a conducive environment for investments. 

He pointed to the recently enacted Electricity Act, which allows states to establish power generation, distribution, and transmission systems, and addressed misconceptions about the proposed Tax Reform Bill. 

Tuggar clarified that the bill aims to consolidate, rather than increase, taxes, making it easier for businesses to operate. 

“President Tinubu wants to reduce the tax burden, making it simpler and more attractive for businesses,” he explained.

Reflecting on the overall outcomes, Tuggar reiterated the need for patience in evaluating the benefits of diplomacy. 

“Government provides the enabling environment. But these outcomes are not immediate transactions—they take time”, Tuggar said.

Tuggar expressed confidence that the foundations laid during President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagements would yield significant long-term benefits for Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to seek collective actions to address the root cause of insecurity in the sub-region. 

Tuggar, who spoke at the opening of the 52nd session of the mediation and security council at the ministerial level in Abuja, highlighted security and humanitarian challenges confronting thw subregion.

He stressed that terrorism continues to threaten the  collective well-being of the region, while violent extremists operate within and across  national borders. 

Tuggar, who is the chairman of the Council therefore urged them to come up with a collective actions required for ECOWAS to overcome the mirage of challenges. 

He said: “We are gathering with a deep sense of purpose and unity — driven by our commitment to securing peace and political stability across our region. As we are all aware, our region faces grave security and humanitarian challenges. Terrorism continues to threaten our collective well-being. 

“Violent extremists operate within and across our national borders, compromising not just our peace and security, but also our prospects for growth and development. Therefore, as we commence our deliberation today, let us be mindful of the critical threats we face – and the collective actions required to overcome them.

 “The statistics from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) paint a sobering picture. Between January and May 2024, our region has witnessed over 7,000 deaths as a result of more than 800 terrorist incidents. Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have been particularly devastated by this relentless violence. 

“This stark reality highlights the staggering human cost of insecurity, and underscores the urgency for a coordinated and decisive action to combat this menace.

“Terrorism does not recognise borders. From the Sahel to the coastal States, no country is immune to its devastating impact. It is therefore crucial for every country within ECOWAS, including those in the Sahelian belt, to understand that the fight against terrorism is not the burden of a few but a collective responsibility. Therefore, we must remain united, and demonstrate unwavering commitment and resolve to safeguard the lives and futures of our citizens.

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“And as we join forces to find common solutions to the continuing challenge of violent extremism and foreign interference, we should also remain mindful of the broader challenge of co- operation to help tackle the underlying causes of instability in our region: climate change, migration, organized criminal activity, global terms of trade and access to financing. Our task today is to consider how best to meet the immediate symptoms of the condition we face – and also how to establish firmer foundations to reduce inequality and poverty and strengthen democracy.

 “Our deliberation today will therefore focus on the Review Process of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. It would be recalled that in an effort to further entrench democracy, the rule of law and good governance in the region, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, during its Extraordinary Summit held in Accra, Ghana, in September 2021, initiated the review process. Furthermore, this meeting will discuss the transition processes in the region, with a view to making actionable recommendations, in order to achieve progress.

“Despite the challenges that confront our region, ECOWAS has continued to sustain its peace support operations in some Member States, including the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea- Bissau (SSMGB) and the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), as well as the ongoing plans for the deployment of an ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission in Sierra Leone, given recent developments there. In this regard we will receive a detailed briefing on the Operationalisation of the ECOWAS Security Architecture, focusing on the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), including a progress report on the ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and the outcome of the just concluded meeting of Ministers of Defence and Finance, convened to discuss financing options for the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force.

” ECOWAS has also been actively addressing humanitarian challenges in the region, through coordinated efforts and strategic interventions in Member States. Through these interventions, food items and other relief materials have been provided to communities most affected by natural disaster and insecurity. Other support includes the establishment of framework for disaster risk reduction, and collaboration with international partners to ensure a comprehensive response. Our discussion today should also focus on this important issue, with a view to evolving further strategies to address the region’s humanitarian challenges.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial for all Member States to remain united and work together in solidarity to harness the full gamut of our resources, intelligence, and capabilities to develop comprehensive strategies that will address our security challenges and support efforts to promote our region’s economic growth, peace, and political stability. This includes enhancing our security architecture, strengthening regional cooperation, encouraging effective intelligence sharing, and promoting resilience within our communities. 

The operationalisation of the ECOWAS counter- terrorism force and the review of our Regional Action Plans are steps in the right direction, but we must act further, to ensure that these initiatives are robustly funded and effectively implemented.

“As we deliberate over the various memoranda to be presented before us today, let us be guided by the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility, and reaffirm our commitment to peace, democracy, rule of law and good governance. Let us also pledge to work tirelessly for the security and prosperity of our region, for the overall benefit of our people and the generations to come.

 “In conclusion, I urge us all to redouble our efforts in this collective endeavour, and stand together, united against the forces of terror and despair, while striving to build a West Africa that is secure, stable, and thriving for all its citizens.”

The Federal Government yesterday announced new heads for some of the country’s embassies abroad.

The list includes 12 consulate-general and five charge de affairs.

They are to resume immediately, according to a statement by Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar. 

The names of the consulates-general and their countries of posting are: Ambassador Auwalu Jega Namadina – Atlanta, U.S.A.; Ambassador Nnamdi Okechukwu Nze – Bata, Equatorial Guinea;

Ambassador Francis Ntui Enya – Douala, Cameroon;

Ambassador Gbadebo Afolabi – Shanghai, China; Ambassador Oludare Ezekiel Folowosele – Hong Kong, China; Ambassador Abubakar Jidda – New York, U.S.A; Ambassador Yakubu Audu Dadu -Frankfurt, Germany; Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker – Buea, Cameroon; Ambassador George Collins Onwuekwe – Guangzhou, China; Ambassador Umar Ibrahim Bashir – Johannesburg, South Africa; Ambassador Zayyan Ibrahim – Dubai, UAE; and Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Jibrin Nayaya – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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The Heads of Mission are: Ambassador Saidu Mohammed Dodo – Damascus, Syria; Ambassador Patrick Imoudu Imologhome – Pyongyang, Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea; Ambassador Francisca Kemi Omayuli – Singapore, Singapore; Ambassador Babagana Ahmadu – Bangui, Central African Republic; and Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed – Tripoli, Libya.

Tuggar reminded the envoys that their appointments were pivotal to the country’s economic growth.

The minister, according to a statement yesterday in Abuja by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

He described the appointments as “pivotal to the economic drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

Tuggar urged the appointees to shun politicking and recommit themselves to their calling of diplomacy for the collective interest and development of Nigeria.

On behalf of the appointees, Jidda reiterated the commitment of his colleagues to uphold the ethos of the profession, pledging to bring investments to the country.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the confidence reposed in them.