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To give all Nigerians sense of belonging and dignity globally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Thursday vowed to do everything to stop their humiliation abroad.
He gave the assurance during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
In his briefing entitled "From Passive To Active Global Engagement Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Leadership” he dwelt on issues ranging from Repositioning Nigeria Globally, Increasing National Pride and Respect for Citizens, Boosting Confidence in Nigerian Passport, Economic Diplomacy, Breaking Barriers for Nigerian Businesses,
Strategic Global Alliances and Diplomatic Milestones, Enhancing National Security and Sovereignty,
Digital Diplomacy and Thought Leadership
According to him, the Ministry has boosted the nation’s foreign policy and increased confidence in the Nigerian Passport.
Speaking on financial impacts of trade agreements, Amb Tuggar said that apart from established diplomatic ties with Bahrain, there was collaboration with Brazil on fertilizer production, hybrid seed development, and agricultural financing to the tune of $2.5 billion.
On achievement with Canada, he said there was advocate for Carleton University to expand its entrepreneurship and experiential learning in Nigerian schools and strengthened Nigeria Canada trade ties via Sprott School of Business.
Nigeria and China, according to the Minister, also deepened ties with pledges for security, finance, and economic growth.
He said there was move seeking tariff removal by the two countries to balance trade, while there were agreements regarding peanut exports, and financing of railway projects by the Chinese government.
The Minister said signed agreements for new projects and investments worth $4 Billion to NASENI, while there was Equatorial Guinea • Bilateral agreements for the construction of the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project.
Nigeria, he said, also elevated ties with Egypt to a comprehensive partnership.
He said there were agreements with EgyptAir to upgrade their fleet
Regarding France, the Minister said there was business cooperation agreement (full banking operations in France) with UBA Group, while there was (600 million) MOU for digital and creative industries.
He said Nigeria, Germany signed MOU on solid minerals exploration, as it secured $2 billion investment on the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project.
The Minister said there was also formalized MOU on renewable energy between Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany's DWS Group, with $500 million MOU to export LNG to Germany.
He disclosed that Nigeria also obtained $14 billion worth of investment commitments from Indian investors across multiple sectors.
Nigeria and Kuwait, he said, signed MOUs to deepen cooperation, while Netherlands facilitated a €250 million investment to boost existing business in Nigeria.
While Qatar established a Joint Business Council (JBC) to enhance trade partnerships, investment opportunities, business networking, economic growth, food security and agricultural output growth in Nigeria, the Minister said 7 MOUs were signed to deepen relationships and strengthen economic ties, with increasing cooperation in education.
To enhance national and regional security, Amb Tuggar said Russia offered support, equipment, and training for Nigerian military personnel, while there was also $500 million gas field licensing collaboration.
Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, he said, signed 2 MOUs with immense economic implications for Nigeria and signed pact to boost $7.7 trillion Halal Economy
He also revealed that United States facilitated the repatriation of $52.8 million by the U.S. government to Nigeria, while the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement (BASA) is also in existence, US announced the government’s Global Food Security Strategy for Nigeria.
While declosing that Nigeria secured release of some Nigerians detained abroad, he said Nigeria evacuated African students from Ukraine, supported Palestinian children affected by conflict, initiated return of Benin Bronzes and deployed 213 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.
While there is great improvement in consular support efficiency, the Minister said Nigerians in Diaspora Database was also launched, which now exceeds 11,000 registrations.
"This database strengthens engagement with the diaspora community." he added
Speaking at the commencement of the briefing, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reiterated President Bola Tinubu Administration's commitment to uphold press freedom and create a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria.
He said “This administration believes that a free and responsible press is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.
“I want to re-emphasize that President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians, and also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition because of their essential role in reinforcing and deepening our democratic framework.”