NIGERIANS WILL NEVER BE HUMILIATED ABROAD AGAIN- TUGGAR 20-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its global image, securing foreign investments, and protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, he outlined key diplomatic achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized efforts to redeem Nigeria’s image internationally, noting that the country now enjoys improved diplomatic relations and respect on the global stage.
He highlighted the government’s zero-tolerance stance on the mistreatment of Nigerians abroad, citing successful interventions in securing the release of citizens unjustly detained in various countries.
The minister also provided updates on Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, revealing that the country has attracted significant investments, including a $14 billion commitment from India, an $8 billion expansion deal with Indorama, and a $3.5 billion steel plant investment in Akwa Ibom.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that Nigeria exports finished products rather than raw materials, particularly in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and synthetic materials.
On foreign policy, Ambassador Tuggar underscored Nigeria’s balanced diplomatic approach, supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza while also backing Ukraine at the United Nations.
He disclosed that Nigeria played a key role in evacuating infants from Gaza to safer countries for medical treatment.
In regional diplomacy, he highlighted Nigeria’s recent victory at the African Union, where the country secured key positions without financial lobbying.
He also announced the establishment of the African Central Bank in Abuja, which he said would benefit Nigerian startups and fintech companies.
Other key achievements include securing scholarships for Nigerian students in Germany, negotiating the repatriation of stolen funds from the U.S., and strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and China in areas such as food security, renewable energy, and trade.
Ambassador Tuggar assured Nigerians that the Foreign Ministry remains committed to enhancing Nigeria’s influence globally while leveraging diplomatic relations to promote national development.