By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has hailed the national statement delivered at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as “bold, inclusive, and rooted in Africa’s realities.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26th September 2025
Tuggar said the address struck a balance between Nigeria’s domestic priorities and regional responsibilities, projecting the country as a strong advocate for fairness, reform, and inclusivity in global governance
“The statement was inspiring but also sobering. It reminded the world that Africa particularly West Africa is not just a recipient of global decisions but an active shaper of them. By calling for UN reform and demanding equitable representation, Nigeria reaffirmed that Africa’s voice must be heard where decisions affecting humanity are taken,” he said.
On peace and security, the Minister praised Nigeria’s emphasis on shared responsibility, noting that the country and its ECOWAS partners remain at the frontline of stabilizing the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel. He added that Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping underline its dual role as “a guarantor of peace abroad and a defender of peace at home.”
Tuggar also highlighted the economic vision captured in the address, particularly the call for a new financial architecture, debt justice, and homegrown industrialization, which he said align with Africa’s aspirations under ECOWAS and AfCFTA.
“Nigeria is insisting that our minerals, agriculture, and human capital must serve our people first. This is the essence of economic diplomacy and it is central to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he remarked.
On climate change and digital inclusion, the Foreign Minister underscored that Nigeria’s proposals were practical, people-focused, and tailored to benefit vulnerable groups—especially women and youth.
He concluded that the national statement should be seen as a sub-regional call to action.
“Nigeria has once again reminded the world that no country is safe until all are safe, and no region can prosper unless all its people are included. ECOWAS and the African Union remain our natural partners in ensuring that diplomacy delivers tangible results for our citizens,” Tuggar declared.
