Yusuf Maitama Tuggar on Nigeria’s Global Vision: A Call for Autonomy and Diplomacy

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON) delivered a compelling and deeply reflective speech at Chatham House in London recently, offering a window into the complexities of Nigeria's foreign policy and its position in a rapidly changing world.

His address wasn’t just a diplomatic overview; it was an urgent call to reframe how the global community understands Nigeria’s role on the world stage, framed by the Minister's lived experiences and nuanced understanding of global issues.

The speech began with a stark assessment of the present global order. Tuggar acknowledged that the world is no longer what it once was. “The international order we once knew is no longer recognizable,” he noted, with clarity and conviction.

From Europe’s energy crisis to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Africa’s own unique set of challenges, Tuggar painted a picture of a world in constant flux—one that cannot be neatly divided into traditional spheres of influence.

The Minister’s recognition that the struggles Nigeria faces are deeply interwoven with larger global dynamics sets the tone for a broader reflection on the interconnectedness of nations in today’s world.
Energy security, a critical issue for Nigeria, took center stage in Tuggar's remarks. He deftly drew attention to the long-standing awareness Africa has had of energy issues—an awareness that has now been thrust into the global spotlight.

“Africa has long known that energy security is the cornerstone of stability,” he remarked, drawing a poignant parallel between the continent's historical understanding and Europe’s recent realization of its vulnerability in this area.

This comment subtly positions Nigeria as a crucial player in the energy security discourse, a message that the world should not overlook as global power structures shift.

Tuggar also turned his focus to the domestic front, where Nigeria faces its significant challenges. One of the most difficult decisions the Nigerian government has had to make was the removal of fuel subsidies—a measure that, though necessary, has far-reaching consequences.

“The removal of fuel subsidies is one of the most painful decisions this government has made,” Tuggar acknowledged, emphasizing the difficult balancing act between economic reforms and the potential for social unrest.

The personal stakes were evident in his delivery, as he spoke with the understanding that these reforms could lead to heightened migration pressures and potential instability both domestically and regionally.

However, it wasn’t just about diagnosing the issues; Tuggar used the speech as a platform to advocate for change. His words carried an urgent call to action, stressing that Africa’s challenges cannot be viewed in isolation.

"Africa’s problems are not isolated. They are shared problems, and the world must recognize this," he urged. Tuggar’s call for a shift in the global financial system was equally compelling.

He emphasized that global financial institutions need to adapt to the pressing realities of the modern world, particularly the challenges faced by developing countries due to climate change and economic instability.

The world, he argued, needs a financial system that is not only flexible but attuned to the current global landscape.
Perhaps one of the most powerful moments of Tuggar's speech came when he touched on democracy and governance, a theme that resonated deeply, given his personal history. Reflecting on the continent’s struggles with democratic governance, he quoted Winston Churchill: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

This quotation took on particular significance in the context of Africa, where democracy has long been viewed as an ideal. However, Tuggar pointed to the shifting dynamics, noting that it is now Asia—rather than the West—that is seen as a model for governance.
This observation offered a profound commentary on the evolving global power structures and the shifting dynamics of influence in international politics.

Tuggar’s acknowledgment of the rise of military governments in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso underscored his concern for the fragile state of democracy in the region. He remarked, “When the military takes over, it does not only affect the nation. It destabilizes the entire region.”

His connection to Nigeria’s own experience with military rule gave weight to these words. Having lived through a time when military coups were a frequent occurrence in the country, Tuggar’s reflections carried an authenticity that cannot be overstated.

The erosion of trust in democratic institutions, he noted, was not just an African issue but a global one, as democracies around the world face increasing challenges.

Tuggar’s perspective on democracy wasn’t just theoretical—it was shaped by his own lived experience. He shared a deeply personal anecdote, recalling how he couldn’t vote until he was in his 30s, a result of Nigeria’s long history of military rule. “I couldn’t vote until I was in my 30s,” he revealed, framing the significance of democracy as something that transcends mere political theory—it is a deeply cherished value that shaped his own life and perspective.

The conversation then veered into the realm of digital technology and the spread of misinformation, an area where Tuggar’s insights were striking.

He called social media “a weapon of mass destruction” and highlighted how it can fuel division and violence. Reflecting on the electoral violence in Nigeria, he said, “Hate speech spread across platforms, inciting people to violence.” Tuggar’s criticism of tech companies was blunt:

"These platforms have a responsibility, not only to protect free speech but to be accountable for the havoc they cause." This remark serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for greater accountability, signaling that while the digital age offers new opportunities for engagement, it also brings with it risks that must be acknowledged and addressed.

From the dangers of digital misinformation, Tuggar brought the conversation back to governance and Nigeria’s role in the global order. His foreign policy vision for Nigeria was grounded in the principles of strategic autonomy, a theme he emphasized throughout the speech.

He made it clear that Nigeria’s foreign policy is not about aligning with one side but ensuring the country has the autonomy to act in its own best interest.

“Nigeria’s foreign policy is not about taking sides but ensuring that we have the autonomy to act in the best interest of our people,” he stated firmly. This principle of autonomy has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly through its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement, and remains crucial as the country faces rising regional tensions, particularly in West Africa.

Migration, too, was a topic that Tuggar addressed with urgency and depth. “Migration is a symptom, not the disease,” he stated, challenging the prevailing view in many European countries that sees migration primarily as a security issue.

Tuggar pointed out that migration is rooted in deeper problems: economic instability, lack of opportunity, and insecurity. “Until the international community addresses the underlying causes—economic instability, lack of opportunity, and insecurity—migration will continue to rise,” he cautioned.

This perspective underscores Nigeria’s commitment to balancing security concerns with the need for sustainable development so that the youth of Nigeria and Africa can thrive at home rather than be compelled to seek opportunities abroad.

As the speech drew to a close, Tuggar reasserted Nigeria’s vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of the 4-D diplomacy framework—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

This framework, he said, would guide Nigeria’s foreign policy in the years to come, harnessing the power of its growing population and the contributions of its diaspora to elevate the country's global standing.

“We are not just bystanders in the world; we are active participants, and it is time the world takes notice,” he concluded.
In sum, Amb. Tuggar’s address at Chatham House was not just a diplomatic speech—it was a roadmap for Nigeria’s future in a rapidly changing global landscape. His words resonated not only with the challenges the country faces but also with the opportunities that lie ahead, leaving an indelible impression on all who listened.