Nigeria Won’t Be Forced to Follow World Powers – Foreign Minister Tuggar!

Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 14, 2025

Nigeria Won’t Be Forced to Follow World Powers – Foreign Minister Tuggar

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to an independent foreign policy, emphasizing that Nigeria will not succumb to external pressures from global powers.

In a recent lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, Tuggar highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy in Nigeria’s foreign relations. He cautioned against entangling alliances and ideological over-alignment, advocating for partnerships based on mutual interests and respect.

⁠“Our idea is to avoid the booby trap of entangling alliances or ideological over-alignment, but rather to focus on issue-based relationships and partnerships of purpose,” Tuggar stated.

He outlined four pillars guiding Nigeria’s foreign policy: democracy, demography, development, and diaspora. Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s significant population and internal market provide unique advantages in navigating the evolving global landscape.Reflecting on past experiences, he warned against repeating mistakes such as the adoption of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which he described as a result of economic “bandwagoning.”

Tuggar also stressed the importance of Africa in Nigeria’s foreign policy, noting that integration and collective security remain top priorities. He highlighted initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and cooperative defense efforts through organizations such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), ECOWAS, and the African Union (AU).

⁠“Africa remains a priority, and the prospects of integration to achieve economic development are much higher now that we have the AfCFTA. Cooperative defence, whether through the MNJTF, ECOWAS, or the AU, also remains a priority,” he added.

On the topic of democracy, Tuggar advocated for models rooted in African culture and history, rather than mimicking foreign systems. He revealed that the Ministry, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had developed a Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) to strengthen democratic institutions and promote dialogue.
⁠“No one holds a patent on democracy and its practice. It is time Africa took ownership of democracy to suit its own history, cultures, traditions, and mores,” he emphasized.

Tuggar’s remarks come amid global discussions on shifting power dynamics and the role of African nations in international affairs. He underscored Nigeria’s history of non-alignment and its cautious approach to becoming a battleground for global power struggles.

⁠“We are very wary of Africa becoming the ground for the great power contestation that has changed from a unipolar to a multi-polar world,” Tuggar noted.

His statements reflect Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty and prioritize national interests in the face of external pressures.

For more updates on Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations, visit www.selemedia.org.

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David Joshua Oliver

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Oliver David Joshua is a seasoned media professional with a passion for impactful journalism and strategic leadership. As the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of Sele Media Africa, he oversees the organization’s editorial vision, ensuring high standards of truth, balance, and bold reporting. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commitment to excellence, Oliver plays a key role in shaping the voice of Sele Media Africa across the continent. His leadership continues to drive innovation, credibility, and growth in Africa’s digital media space.

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