The Chatham House, officially known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world’s most prestigious think tank, founded in 1920, and based in London. It is renowned for its independent research and analysis on international affairs and serves as a platform for policymakers and foreign diplomats to host high-level debates and discussions under the “Chatham House Rule,” which ensures anonymity and encourages candid, open dialogue on pressing global issues like geopolitics, economics, and security.
His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, was the Chatham House’s most recent guest where he outlined Nigeria’s strategic foreign policy priorities and the government’s approach to international engagement. His address reflected Nigeria’s ambition to enhance its global standing and advance its development goals through a deliberate and pragmatic foreign policy strategy.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria views itself as a key player in the evolving global system. And this is indeed so. Take our huge population, for instance, or our strategic geography, and exceptional talent. With over 200 million people—the largest population in Africa—Nigeria’s diverse workforce and consumer base drive innovation and resilience. Geographically, Nigeria’s access to Atlantic trade routes and its position as Africa’s largest economy, boasting a GDP of over $400 billion, make it a pivotal player in global commerce. With the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is not a country to be kept at the backseat.
The nation has also showed that it is a leader by right. Whether it is its contributions to “peacekeeping emergencies in the aftermath of independence in the 1960s,” or supporting liberation movements in South Africa, or ending the “appalling wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1960s,” or sending out our Technical Aide Corps to African Caribbean and Pacific nations, for free, Nigeria has positioned itself as Africas big brother, and indeed a force to be reckoned with.
And even beyond this, the country is positioning itself as a bridge between the Global South and the North, asserting its leadership in Africa while strengthening diplomatic ties with other regions.
Ambassador Tuggar, in his address to the Chatham House guests spoke to the ongoing global conversation around climate change. He highlighted the challenges faced by African countries in dealing with the contraditions posed by dealing with climate change, including fuelled tensions and violence between herders and farmers in Nigeria, and the drying up of the Lake Chad. Ambassador Tuggar highlights the criticality of this situation when he admits that this is a matter of national security.
According to him: “unmanaged, these are some of the most significant triggers for violent extremism and irregular migration. Our problems – are everyone’s problems. Africa knows that if the transition to a more carbon neutral energy equation is to be effective, there has to be a transition that is fair and equitable.
“That is why we have called for a more flexible interpretation for the use of those instruments agencies like the International Monetary Fund have at their disposal, instruments established long before the climate emergency, like Special Drawing Rights, which can be adapted to allow the IMF to deliver its mandate to provide the financing for growth, opportunity and prosperity.”
Ambassador Tuggar reminded his audience of the importance of democracy and why they must not take it for granted.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy serves five principles: the “promotion and protection of the national interest, African integration and support for African unity, promotion of international cooperation for peace and mutual respect, respect of international law and treaty obligations and promotion of a just world economic order.”
The venue, Chatham House is easily the convenient platform to explain to a diverse foreign audience the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration. Ambassador Tuggar carefully did not miss that opportunity, highlighting that the Tinubu administration has been forced to make tough but necessary decisions that have placed the country in a much better place for growth, development and investments.
“President Bola Tinubu is the first career politician Nigeria has had as leader in a long time. In a country where politicians typically get a bad rap, I find myself sometimes having to state the obvious: real change requires the assembly of a, to borrow a phrase, ‘coalition of the willing’. We need the right policies, and the means to deliver them. This is, first and foremost, a political task.
“And this is why the Tinubu government has been able to tackle really difficult, potentially volatile issues with the success that it has had: because of a leadership that knows both what needs to be done, and how to get it done.
“There cannot be a trade-off between reform and stability, between politics and the economy. What we are doing, and we are nearly two years in, is to strengthen political accountability, discipline and capacity – in tandem with the sacrifices inevitably associated with the reform of a failed and unsustainable economic model.”
A matter that has been on the lips of Foreign Affairs wonks has been the question of how Nigeria is dealing with the ECOWAS crisis—the exit of three francophone countries, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. In some months to come, the regional body would celebrate its 50 years anniversary. Ambassador Tuggar, in his speech notes that their decision to leave was due to their refusal to commit to a timetable for the restoration of democratic constitutional rule.
On an interesting note, scarcely known among many, Ambassador Tuggar informs his audience that Nigeria reached out to the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on many occasions, but the countries rebuffed Nigeria’s olive branch offerings.
Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s pursuit of greater influence in multilateral institutions, including aspirations for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and membership in the G20. He reiterated that although Nigeria is a developing country, it seeks to balance strategic partnerships with Western nations while strengthening ties with emerging economies, such as those in the BRICS group. The nation’s enthusiasm is evident in its active participation and leadership within key organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.
He acknowledged the need to address internal challenges, including security concerns, economic volatility, and governance issues, in order to align its global ambitions with national development goals.
During the Q&A session, His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar addressed some pressing questions from journalists and participants present at the event.
First on the list was Tsochi Ike, a policy strategist. She asked, “What strategies is the Tinubu administration implementing to address the instability of the economy, attract foreign investors, and uncover the untapped opportunities in Nigeria? How will the administration harness the talent and energy of Nigeria’s vibrant, young population?” The Ambassador revealed that several measures have been taken, including reforms in the electricity sector. He cited the Electricity Act, which allows private organizations and sub-nationals to manage their own power supply. This is aimed at decentralizing power distribution and empowering the people. He also discussed new gas pipelines, such as the African Atlantic Pipeline, which aims to deliver energy to countries like Morocco and Europe. Regarding infrastructure, Tuggar mentioned the country’s collaboration with China to develop railroads, roads, and seaports, making Nigeria more attractive to investors. He also highlighted the Startup Act, which enables startup companies to flourish, and spoke about the MTT program that focuses on training youth in technology.
Next was Godson Azu, CEO of Carter and Merger, who asked what efforts Nigeria is making to manage the relationship between Nigerians in the diaspora particularly in the UK and the way the UK government is handling issues related to Nigerians? Specifically, what are the Ambassador’s thoughts are on the statements made by the Conservative Party. The Ambassador revealed that the Nigerian administration is looking to engage with these talents to enhance Nigeria’s technological community.
Another question came from Iyin Ashika, a final-year law student at King’s College London. She referenced the Ambassador’s statement on Nigeria’s desire for reforms in the global financial architecture and asked what kind of reforms Nigeria would like to see and how they would benefit the country. She also inquired about Nigeria’s position in terms of foreign policy. In response, Tuggar explained that key reforms would include more funding, recalibration of risk assessments, and a more realistic view of developing countries. He also noted that the new lending act might affect many developing nations, particularly regarding the application of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR), debt relief, and technology transfers from developed countries to developing ones. The Ambassador stressed that these issues would be prioritized when Nigeria secures a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Dr. Gabriel Obokon, a fellow at University College London, asked about the Trump administration’s decision to end global funding for HIV drugs and what Nigeria’s administration is doing to build health resilience and local capacity. Amb. Tuggar responded that the Minister of Health has identified funds to bridge the gap following the US pullout, and that the country is ready to face any new challenges. He emphasized that Nigeria has been working tirelessly to build capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic and is now better prepared for future challenges.
Online, a participant asked what Nigeria is doing to maintain its role within ECOWAS. Amb. Tuggar revealed that countries are bridging gaps and forming alliances to create industrial ventures for all nations, such as the transportation of gas through pipelines, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, and the automation and digitization of goods transportation. He mentioned that all these projects are being adopted by ECOWAS and offer an avenue for collaboration with big tech companies and European countries interested in investing. Tuggar highlighted that ECOWAS is one of the most advanced self-funding mechanisms.
Byran, an employee of Dragonfly Intelligence, asked what role Nigeria plays in addressing regional conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Ambassador revealed that he attended a meeting of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, where representatives from Congo were in attendance. He further explained that the Lwanda Process and the Nairobi Process had merged to facilitate mediation in the conflict
Patrick Smith, Africa Confidential, asked what the next steps are for the Ambassador after his delegation to the UN Assembly successfully pushed through an amendment regarding the G77 group’s stance on global tax rules. Tuggar explained that the fight for tax reform is ongoing, but Nigeria will continue to champion the cause for fairer global tax systems.
In all these, Nigeria is making a bold case for its place in the world. Ambassador Tuggar’s address at Chatham House underscores a nation that refuses to be relegated to the margins of global affairs. From economic reforms to regional stability, from climate diplomacy to multilateral aspirations, Nigeria is positioning itself as both a bridge and a force—one that seeks not only a seat at the table but a voice that carries weight. Yet, ambition must be matched with execution. Reforms at home will determine the credibility of influence abroad. If Nigeria can translate its rhetoric into action, it may well reshape its standing on the global stage.
Dayo Dare, a public policy commentator writes from Abuja.