Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, asked Nigerians to be patient with the nation’s diplomatic efforts and international agreements, saying they would take time to produce results.
This request was made by Tuggar when he informed reporters about the results of President Bola Tinubu’s most recent state visit to France.
Despite calling the trip a “resounding success,” he cautioned against anticipating immediate outcomes, pointing to the slow nature of diplomacy.
“We shouldn’t think of international relations and diplomacy as a business transaction,” he stated. Time is needed.
“A framework is necessary, followed by agreements and, finally, business collaboration.”
The minister also emphasized the Federal Government’s responsibility to establish an environment that allows Nigerian companies to take advantage of the potential presented by these bilateral agreements.
He stated that the administration’s dedication to free enterprise is reflected in the current changes aimed at luring in foreign investment.
Tuggar listed numerous noteworthy outcomes from the trip, such as the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding in France and the acquisition of a $2.4 billion agriculture investment during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.
He pointed out that during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Tinubu gave food security first priority, to which Macron gave a positive response.
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The significance of food security to his government was emphasized by the president. Macron has reacted favorably,” Tuggar stated.
Tuggar called the French delegation’s discovery of Nigeria’s vast quantities of important minerals, including as lithium, a “revelation,” during the talks. President Macron was motivated by this to request that Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice evaluate a new Memorandum of Understanding on sensitive minerals.
Infrastructure and clean energy were among the other important topics discussed. President Tinubu is interested in working with France to produce safe, non-military nuclear energy and solar electricity, Tuggar emphasized.
In terms of security, he recognized that France’s strategy toward West Africa has changed, with President Macron admitting his faults and looking to Nigeria for advice on counterterrorism measures.
“The French have realized their past errors and understand that Nigeria’s participation is essential to any endeavor to secure West Africa,” he stated.
Tuggar emphasized the significance of continuous changes to foster an atmosphere that is favorable to investment on the home front. According to him, the new Electricity Act gives governments the authority to set up transmission, distribution, and power producing networks.
Contrary to popular belief, Tuggar clarified that the proposed Tax Reform Bill will simplify corporate operations by combining taxes rather than raising them.
“President Tinubu wants to make it easier and more appealing for businesses by lowering the tax burden,” he clarified.
Tuggar reaffirmed the importance of exercising patience when assessing the advantages of diplomacy after considering the entire results.
“These outcomes are not instantaneous transactions—they take time,” he added, adding that the government provides the enabling framework.
Additionally, the foreign minister conveyed his belief that Nigeria would reap substantial long-term advantages from the efforts made during President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic visits.
In order to establish a collaboration on the construction of vital infrastructure and the long-term viability of agriculture and food security, Presidents Tinubu and Macron signed two agreements while in France.
This occurred as both presidents watched as French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry Mr. Antoine Armand and United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu signed an agreement for the bank to open in Paris.
At an economic event held during President Tinubu’s state visit in Paris, France, at the Palais des Élysées, businessmen, captains of industry, governors, and senior government officials from both nations signed the partnership agreements.
