By Ameh Gabriel
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to financial inclusion, green economic growth, and sustainable development during high-level engagements at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Seville, Spain.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the global forum, Ambassador Tuggar delivered Nigeria’s national statement, highlighting a suite of strategic interventions aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) especially those led by women and youth.
“We are expanding the capacity of key development finance institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture to better support small businesses and unlock their potential,” Tuggar declared.
He stressed that inclusive economic growth cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in grassroots enterprise and sustainable finance models.
Nigeria Joins Global Push for Climate-Conscious Financing
In a key sideline event, Ambassador Tuggar delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) a global initiative designed to promote environmentally responsible financing. He reiterated Nigeria’s pledge to integrate climate resilience into its economic strategies and boost access to green finance for local enterprises.
“Sustainable development is only possible with climate-conscious finance. Nigeria is committed to building a green economy that works for the people and the planet,” he said.
Bilateral Talks Strengthen Development Ties
The Minister also held a series of bilateral meetings with international partners, aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening Nigeria’s development agenda.
In discussions with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the focus was on SME support and job creation. Both parties reached a preliminary agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would enable Nigeria to access interest-free loans and development finance tools for small business growth.
In another crucial session, Tuggar met with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, where he sought technical assistance for the implementation of Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform policy. He also solicited Sweden’s support for Nigeria’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2030–2031 term.
“These engagements underscore Nigeria’s forward-looking diplomacy and our readiness to lead on issues that matter climate finance, economic inclusion, and global governance,” Tuggar said.
A Strategic Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Tuggar’s engagements at the conference as strategic milestones in Nigeria’s evolving role on the global stage. With a strong focus on climate finance, trade facilitation, institutional reform, and global partnerships, the visit is expected to unlock new opportunities for development financing and international cooperation.
