…Builds Stronger Regional Alliances to Boost Global Standing
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has stated again strongly the commitment of the country to securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), even as he stressed Nigeria’s unique role in representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.
The Minister who stated this at a media conference on Thursday in Abuja, highlighted the imbalance in Africa’s representation on the Council, despite the continent being central to many of its decisions.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to achieving this goal, noting the progress being made, and seeks support for Nigeria’s bid.
He said: “The United Nations Security Council remains important because 68% of decisions made there concern Africa, yet not a single African country has a permanent seat. It’s important that Nigeria is there to represent not just ourselves, but our region, our continent, and the world as a whole.
“For the first time, the United States has publicly supported permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council. Other African leaders have also suggested innovative approaches, including a seat for the African Union and another that rotates among countries”.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s track record of selfless leadership, focusing on her role in supporting neighboring countries and its contributions to the fight against racism in Africa.
“Nigeria has consistently been a stabilizing force, never threatening its neighbors, and always standing firm for the collective good of the continent,” Tuggar added.
Tuggar also stressed the importance of the Security Council in addressing global challenges, including health, climate change, population, and education, as outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The UNSC remains critical because this is where key decisions on global priorities are made.
“68% of Security Council decisions concern Africa, yet no African country has a permanent seat. Nigeria is best suited to represent the continent,” he said.
Nigeria’s bid for a seat is part of broader efforts to ensure Africa’s voice is heard on the international stage, and Tuggar expressed optimism about the growing support for this initiative.
Ambassador Tuggar also revealed the outcomes of his recent diplomatic mission across West Africa, where he engaged in discussions on economic collaboration, regional security, and Nigeria’s global aspirations.
He stated that during his visit to Togo, the talks was on economic opportunities, particularly in the mineral and fertilizer industries.
“Togo is rich in phosphate, which is used in making fertilizer, and Nigeria has many blending plants. We discussed opportunities for investment between our two countries,” Tuggar said.
In Guinea Bissau, he highlighted the discussions was on security within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigerian troops stationed there have been supporting stability, and Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s role as a mediator in resolving parliamentary challenges.
He also explored investment opportunities in fisheries, agriculture, and fibre optics, assuring that recommendations would be made to relevant Nigerian agencies.
In Gambia, Tuggar noted Nigeria’s longstanding support, particularly in judiciary development and education and enhancing economic integration and security cooperation.
“The Vice President and Foreign Minister of Gambia reminded us that without Nigeria, they would not have a judiciary today. Through the Technical Aid Corps, we will continue providing professionals, especially university lecturers,” he said.
The final stop was Côte d’Ivoire, where the minister emphasised the importance of the Abidjan-Lagos trade and transport corridor as a key infrastructure project for ECOWAS.
Amb. Tuggar further said talks also included collaboration in cashew production, where Côte d’Ivoire leads globally, and partnerships in coffee and other agricultural sectors.
“We saw Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to improve roads on this route, which facilitates significant trade and movement across the region,” he stated.
He described the mission as the first phase of broader shuttle diplomacy, with plans to continue engagements after addressing other commitments.