By Bashir Aliyu
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Honorouble Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has assured that Nigeria will not walk away from its commitment to ensure regional stability and integration in West Africa.
The minister stated this during the Annual Foreign Policy Public Lecture organized by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary on 8th October, 2024 in Abuja.
Speaking on the topic: “Consolidating Democracy and Integration in ECOWAS: The Journey so far,” the minister said, “Africa remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, in line with its objectives stipulated in our 1999 Constitution. From its founding in 1975, ECOWAS has been central to our efforts in promoting peace, stability, and economic integration across the sub-region.” Honourable Tuggar also said that despite the series of unconstitutional changes of governments in West Africa in recent years which presented a policy headache for Nigeria’s foreign policy, the government will not deviate from its stated aims of enhancing economic integration in the region as the ECOWAS continues to engage in active negotiations with the breakaways states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria to “to prioritize deepening economic integration, enhancing security and reinforcing democracy in West Africa and the Sahel for the benefit of the Community of peoples.” Honourable Tuggar said.
Reflecting on the achievement of Nigerian Foreign Policy, the minister highlighted the significant diplomatic victories Nigeria managed to achieve economically and democratically since gaining independence in 1960.
- “Over the past six decades, we have made significant strides as a nation. Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s largest economy, driven by our resourceful and dynamic population. Our democratic institutions have continued to grow stronger, with peaceful transitions of power serving as a testament to our resilience. On the global stage, Nigeria has been a key player in promoting peace, security, and development across the continent, particularly within West Africa and the Sahel, through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While challenges come and go, today is a moment to celebrate how far we have come and to reaffirm our commitment to building, not only a more prosperous, united and inclusive Nigeria, but an Africa, for future generations.” He said
- “Regional economic integration offers a unique pathway for shared prosperity. Nigeria, as ECOWAS’ largest economy, recognises the pivotal role it must play in advancing this vision. We are already seeing concrete steps towards a more integrated region, including through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which is critical for facilitating a free-flowing market and fostering greater economic cooperation. Additionally, projects such as the Abidjan-Lagos Trade Corridor will not only enhance physical infrastructure connectivity by linking five countries along West Africa’s coast, but will also stimulate intra-regional trade, investment, as well as the movement of goods and people.”
- Highlighting the dynamics of the global conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the minister said Nigeria is paying close attention to these events, and assessing the kinds of impact they can have on Nigeria’s foreign policy in regards to Africa, particularly West Africa.
- He acknowledged the domestic and political challenges facing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which is a subject to debate in many African countries. However, the minister said the the economic growth can only be sustained if the region is able work together to maintain peace, and good governance.
- “To this end, Nigeria is taking steps to reinvigorate the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and is working with ECOWAS to repurpose the regional Standby Force to effectively counter terrorism. During the last ECOWAS Summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to remitting its collected Levies to the organisation as and when due, in order to lead by example and ensure that the bloc has adequate resources for its programmes and activities. We will continue to promote governance based on constitutional authority, structured transitions, and accountability to the population.” the minister added.
“ECOWAS must uphold its commitment to integration, resolving disputes peacefully, maintaining security in the region, and democratic governance. For peace to reign in ECOWAS and the expanding Sahel, we must continue to proffer our own organic solutions, with the support of partners who are genuinely committed to our developmental aspirations. We must not allow our region to become a zone of global contestation.”- Honourable Tuggar also touched on the Tinubu Doctrine of 4-D Diplomacy, saying the policy is meant to create more windows that would accelerate industrial growth and job creation.
- “I wish to reiterate that our foreign policy is always in service to domestic needs and priorities. The Tinubu Doctrine of 4-D Diplomacy -based on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora – is aligned with the Administration’s 8-point Agenda. We must work with regional and international partners to achieve these objectives, which include job creation,
industrialisation, infrastructure development and security. We count on your trust and continued cooperation in this important mission.” He said
The minister said the Nigerian government is concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan which has displaced millions of people as a result of the civil war.
“Let me assure you that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is paying close attention to developments in other parts of the world and rigorously analysing them for more efficient implementation of foreign policy. The worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan; escalating conflict in the Middle East; recently released report on the Future of European Competitiveness by Mario Draghi, the former President of the European Central Bank; as well as the upcoming US Presidential elections, could have a profound effect on global geopolitics, leading to further weaponisation of migration, heightened insecurity and increased competition for influence in Africa.
“We also continue to monitor piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, implementation of sustainable climate and energy transition frameworks,
advancements in Artificial Intelligence, the impact of cryptocurrency, as well as ongoing efforts to reform global governance structures and the international financial architecture. We are at a critical juncture, and charting a path forward requires continuous consultation with experienced policymakers like yourselves. The insights of our retired Ambassadors and senior diplomats are invaluable, as we navigate the evolving challenges in our region and our planet. Your experience has shaped the past and your
counsel is essential in shaping the future,” he concluded.