Tuggar advocates for Africa’s permanent seat at UN security council

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has advocated for Africa’s permanent membership on the UN Security Council, emphasising Nigeria’s suitability to represent the continent in the global body. This position was made in a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy to the minister, on Wednesday in Abuja. Tuggar made these remarks during a panel discussion on the theme “Africa’s Momentum” at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, which runs from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. Tuggar criticised Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, noting that nearly 60 per cent of the Council’s resolutions addressed issues affecting the continent, yet Africa had no permanent seat. READ ALSO: Police intensifies crackdown on kidnapping and robbery, rescues 13 victims He pointed out that many of the Council’s decisions, such as the deforestation law that banned the purchase of goods from deforested land in Africa, have negative consequences for the continent. He also highlighted the failure to hold companies accountable for contributing to deforestation in Africa. The discussion, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, also featured prominent speakers including Mohammed Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia; Therese Wagner, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Matia Kasaija, Ugandan Minister of Finance. The panel discussed Africa’s role in global governance and the significance of the first 2025 G20 summit, which will take place in South Africa. Tuggar further elaborated on Nigeria’s global outlook under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasising Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and nonalignment principles in its foreign relations. He also pointed out that the G20 summit in South Africa provided an opportunity to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion as a member. “Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s liberation struggle and its ongoing support for South Africa solidifies our ties,” Tuggar noted. He highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to African development through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which sent volunteer professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. READ ALSO: Africa has what it takes to develop itself Tuggar also stressed Nigeria’s non-threatening nature, stating that the country enjoyed good relations with its neighbours, which strengthened its global position. He argued that Nigeria’s unique role in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council further supported its case for representation on the global stage. Tuggar called for a return to commitments made by developed nations during the Rio Summit, particularly regarding the transfer of technology to developing countries. He emphasised that Africa, as a continent of 54 nations, should not be seen as a single entity but as a diverse and powerful region. Tuggar argued that Nigeria, with its large population and economic strength, was well-positioned to represent Africa on the global stage. He further highlighted Nigeria’s track record of supporting both African and global causes, asserting that these factors made the country a suitable candidate for representing the continent in the UN Security Council and other international forums. 

Nigeria accepts invitation to join BRICS as a partner country

Nigeria’s economic growth and development aspirations have been boosted, following its acceptance on Saturday, the offer to become a BRICS partner country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, its Acting Spokesperson. The alliance would assist in bringing Nigeria’s goals for regional integration and inclusive growth into compliance with the best practices of strategic autonomy, the statement said. It was also emphasized that Nigeria’s dedication to promoting global cooperation, taking advantage of economic possibilities, and developing strategic alliances that support the country’s development goals was underscored by this official admission. “BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries,” the statement added. “Nigeria aims to use this partnership to advance shared goals in areas such as trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.” The statement also emphasized how the collaboration was in line with Nigeria’s strategic autonomous ethos and its national goals of inclusive growth, regional integration, and active involvement in creating a just and equitable global economic order. In line with national interests and strategic aims, the ministry stated its hope to work constructively with BRICS members to promote innovation and people-to-people interactions.

Tinubu Hosts Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister in Abuja

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hosting China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.  The visit, part of Wang’s two-day mission to Nigeria, builds on commitments made during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.   Discussions are focused on strengthening partnerships in areas such as the economy, politics, and energy. The session also involves Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.  The ministers are expected to address the media after their private talks.   Wang Yi was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  This meeting underscores the deepening ties between Nigeria and China.

US President, Joe Biden Phones Tinubu 

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, received a phone call from the US President, Mr. Joe Biden. The call took place at about 4pm, Nigerian time and lasted for about 30 minutes. This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, while briefing state House Correspondents about the development. The discussion centered about the recent release of the Head of Finance Crime compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan. Tuggar said, “The call was about the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as the release of one of the suspects of the crypto currency exchange company that you are all aware of. “Mr President also thanked the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas with regards to security in Africa and West Africa as as whole. President Biden assured President Tinubu that this is a partnership because the future of the world reside in Africa and as such, the partnership is important. “The leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seat in the United Nations security Council and Biden assured the the united States is committed to seeing Africa having a permanent seat and does not see why one of those seats should belong to Nigeria.”