In an interview with news correspondents, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, shed light on the country’s diplomatic efforts to ensure that the dignity and respect of skilled Nigerian migrants abroad is maintained. In the interview, the minister and reporters explored various aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu‘s administration, identifying the key pillars and strategies aimed at bringing about economic development, promoting democracy, and increasing the welfare of Nigerian citizens globally.
Minister Tuggar outlined the Tinubu Doctrine of Foreign Policy, encapsulated in the 4D Document, which focuses on four key pillars: democracy, development, demography, and diaspora. First, he emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, citing the successful conduct of seven consecutive elections as evidence of political stability despite challenges at the local government level. The minister also cited the significance of local governments in promoting security and development across Nigeria. Then, he discussed Nigeria’s financial capacity to address challenges and implement structured solutions by leveraging sector-specific funds such as the Nigerian Content Development Fund, Petroleum Industry Act, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Nigerian Communications Commission, and Solid Mineral Development Fund.
Collaboration for job creation and economic growth.
These funds play a crucial role in attracting foreign investors and trade partners, offering guarantees to cover risks through initiatives like the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). The interview also focused on Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners for economic growth and job creation. Tuggar highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India on renewable energy and business process outsourcing (BPO). The agreement aims to create up to 50,000 full-time jobs in Nigeria.
He emphasized the strategic positioning of Nigeria as an ideal hub for collaboration with countries like China, the US, Brazil, and India, given its demographic advantage and market potential. The minister stressed the importance of partnerships to address Nigeria’s demographic challenges and foster economic growth through infrastructure development, manufacturing, and agriculture. He mentioned the country’s active participation in decision-making forums like the G20 and the United Nations Security Council, advocating for the interests of the global south, particularly in light of regulatory challenges such as BASEL IV regulations.
Focus on Nigerians in the diaspora and migration policies.
Regarding Nigeria’s diaspora and migration policies, Minister Tuggar highlighted efforts to improve services for Nigerians abroad and traveling overseas. The government aims to mediate changes in migration issues, ensuring dignity and respect for Nigerian migrants while recognizing the country’s vast human resources. Tuggar mentioned initiatives to produce enough skilled workers domestically while encouraging investment in sectors that produce skilled migrants. The participants in the interview also discussed comparisons with other countries’ migration strategies, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, focusing on social investment programs to address unemployment and promote skilled migration.
Also, the minister emphasized the need for structured processes that uphold migrants’ rights and interests, promoting positive contributions to both host and home countries. He cited several achievements and diplomatic engagements during his tenure. These include financial agreements with France for digital and creative enterprises, renewable energy and gas deals with Germany, collaborations with India, Cuba, France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in various sectors, and initiatives such as the Siemens electrification deal and the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna Kano gas pipeline project.
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Responding to the challenges, Tuggar discussed ongoing negotiations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to resolving issues and strengthening diplomatic relations. He also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s exclusion from certain investment opportunities, highlighting the country’s cautious approach to foreign agreements and the protection of its citizens’ interests. Finally, the interview concluded with a focus on Nigeria’s role in regional and continental initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), where the country’s infrastructure projects and strategic positioning within trade corridors play a pivotal role. Minister Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting trade and investments for sustainable socio-economic development while navigating diplomatic challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and collaboration on the global stage.
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