Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has commended the national statement delivered at the 80th United Nations General Assembly by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as both “forward-looking and deeply rooted in Africa’s realities.” This was contained in a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister said the address struck the right balance between national priorities and regional obligations while positioning Nigeria as a strong advocate for fairness, reform, and inclusivity on the global stage.
“The statement was inspiring, but also sobering—it reminded the world that Africa, and particularly West Africa, is not just a recipient of global decisions but an active shaper of them. By calling for UN reform and demanding equitable representation, Nigeria once again affirmed that Africa’s voice must be heard where decisions affecting humanity are taken,” Tuggar said.
On peace and security, Tuggar praised the emphasis on shared responsibility, noting that Nigeria and its ECOWAS partners continue to stand at the frontline of efforts to stabilize the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel. He added that Nigeria’s enduring role in peacekeeping demonstrates the country’s dual position as both “a guarantor of peace for others and a defender of peace at home.”
Highlighting the economic dimensions of the national statement, the Minister observed that the call for a new financial architecture, debt justice, and local industrialization is in line with Africa’s aspirations under ECOWAS and AfCFTA.
“Nigeria is insisting that our minerals, our agriculture, and our human capital must serve our people first. This is the essence of economic diplomacy, and it is central to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tuggar remarked.
On climate change and digital inclusion, Tuggar stressed that the solutions outlined in the statement are practical and people-focused, with clear benefits for vulnerable communities, women, and youth.
In conclusion, the Foreign Minister said the national statement should be seen as “a sub-regional call to action.”
“Nigeria has once again reminded the world that no country is safe until all are safe, and no region can prosper unless all its people are included. ECOWAS and the African Union remain our natural partners in ensuring that diplomacy delivers tangible results for our citizens,” he declared.
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