Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, hosted members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of International Organisations accredited to Nigeria at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, as part of the 2026 New Year Reception. This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
According to the statement, the event was attended by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, senior officials of the Ministry, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Heads of international organisations accredited to Nigeria.
In his address to the Diplomatic Community, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the international community. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to principled, constructive, and forward-looking diplomacy in a period marked by geopolitical recalibration and global uncertainty.
Ambassador Tuggar outlined three core pillars that will guide Nigeria’s foreign policy in 2026: Strategic Autonomy, Regional Stability, and Responsible Global Partnership. He emphasised Nigeria’s continued preference for dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation.
Highlighting progress in economic diplomacy, the Minister noted Nigeria’s sustained investment outreach and sector-focused partnerships across infrastructure, agriculture, energy, digital connectivity, and industrial development. He referenced the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit convened on the margins of the ECOWAS @50 Celebrations as part of efforts to deepen regional trade integration, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and promote private sector-driven growth.
On democratic governance and regional stability, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiatives which aim to strengthen democratic institutions by promoting electoral integrity and reinforcing inclusive governance across West Africa and the Sahel. He reiterated that security in the Sahel remains a strategic priority and called for strengthened, outcome-oriented partnerships.
Ambassador Tuggar also conveyed encouraging macroeconomic indicators, noting reforms including a unified foreign exchange regime, strengthened capital markets, and modernised fiscal frameworks, positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for long-term global investment.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation, the Minister sought the continued support of the Diplomatic Community for Nigeria’s international candidacies, including its bids for the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the United Nations Human Rights Council, non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2030, and the World Heritage Committee for 2029.
In a procedural update designed to enhance diplomatic efficiency, the Minister announced that Ambassadors-designate may commence official duties upon presentation of copies of their Letters of Credence to the Chief of Protocol, pending formal presentation to the President and Vice President.
The Honourable Minister also reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the appropriate channel of communication between the Diplomatic Community and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscoring the importance of adherence to established diplomatic protocol.
The reception provided an opportunity to exchange New Year greetings, renew diplomatic goodwill, and strengthen engagement between Nigeria and its international partners. It concluded with a group photograph and informal interactions among participants.
Nigeria enters 2026 as a confident, constructive, and stabilising partner, committed to peace, economic integration, democratic resilience, and responsible global cooperation.
END
