The Minister of Overseas Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to train persistence with the nation’s worldwide agreements and diplomatic efforts, which, he stated, would take time to yield outcomes.
Tuggar made this name when he briefed journalists on the result of President Bola Tinubu’s current state go to to France.
Though he described the journey as a “resounding success,” he warned in opposition to anticipating fast outcomes, citing the gradual strategy of diplomacy.
He stated, “We shouldn’t view diplomacy and worldwide relations as a market transaction. It takes time.
“There should first be a framework, then agreements, and subsequently, collaboration between companies.”
The minister additionally highlighted the Federal Authorities’s position in creating an ecosystem the place Nigerian companies can leverage the alternatives arising from these bilateral agreements.
He cited ongoing reforms designed to draw international traders, saying they mirror the administration’s dedication to free enterprise.
Tuggar enumerated important achievements from the journey, together with a $2.4bn agriculture funding secured in the course of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil and several other Memoranda of Understanding signed in France.
He famous that President Tinubu prioritised meals safety throughout talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who responded favourably.
“The president emphasised the significance of meals safety to his administration. Macron has responded positively,” stated Tuggar.
The discussions additionally revealed Nigeria’s intensive reserves of key minerals, together with lithium, which Tuggar described as a “revelation” to the French delegation. This prompted President Macron to name for a brand new Memorandum of Understanding on vital minerals to be reviewed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice.
Discussions additionally coated different vital sectors, together with clear power and infrastructure. Tuggar highlighted President Tinubu’s curiosity in growing protected, non-military nuclear power and solar energy as areas for collaboration with France.
On safety, he acknowledged a shift in France’s strategy to West Africa, with President Macron acknowledging previous errors and in search of Nigeria’s steerage on counterterrorism initiatives.
“The French have acknowledged their previous errors and recognise that Nigeria’s involvement is essential to any efforts in securing West Africa,” he stated.
On the home entrance, Tuggar emphasised the significance of ongoing reforms to create an surroundings conducive to funding. He stated the current Electrical energy Act permits states to ascertain energy technology, distribution, and transmission techniques.
Whereas addressing misconceptions in regards to the proposed Tax Reform Invoice, Tuggar argued that the invoice would consolidate, fairly than enhance, taxes, making it simpler for companies to function.
“President Tinubu desires to cut back the tax burden, making it less complicated and extra enticing for companies,” he defined.
Reflecting on the general outcomes, Tuggar reiterated the necessity for persistence in evaluating the advantages of diplomacy.
“Authorities supplies the enabling surroundings, however these outcomes usually are not instant transactions—they take time,” he stated.
The Overseas Minister additionally expressed confidence that the foundations laid
throughout President Tinubu’s current diplomatic engagements would yield important long-term advantages for Nigeria.
Whereas in France, Presidents Tinubu and Macron signed two agreements to make sure a partnership on the event of vital infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of agriculture and meals safety.
This got here as each Presidents witnessed the signing of the settlement by the United Financial institution for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economic system, Finance, and Business, for the financial institution to begin operations in Paris.
The partnership agreements have been signed at an financial discussion board attended by businessmen, captains of trade, governors, and senior authorities officers from each nations on the Palais des Élysées in Paris, France, throughout President Tinubu’s state go to.