Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for a renewal of U.S.–Nigeria cooperation, emphasizing stronger investment ties as a pathway to mutual growth.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable convened by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential and strategic role in Africa. The meeting brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima and top executives of leading U.S. companies, with discussions centering on investment opportunities in Nigeria’s priority sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and finance.
Nigeria as a Natural Anchor State
Tuggar urged Washington to strengthen its focus on anchor states in Africa, with Nigeria positioned at the forefront.
“The United States should revert to working with anchor states in Africa, such as Nigeria. Our population, abundant resources, and continental scale make Nigeria a natural destination for U.S. business partnerships,” the minister stated.
He explained that deeper collaboration would reduce costs for investors, unlock access to Nigeria’s large pool of skilled talent, and integrate millions of informal businesses into the formal economy.
Economic Diplomacy Under Renewed Hope Agenda
Tuggar noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is committed to deepening economic diplomacy, fostering an enabling environment for business, and ensuring that international partnerships translate into real benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
He also highlighted the country’s youthful demographic advantage, ongoing economic reforms, and its leadership role on the continent as factors making Nigeria Africa’s premier hub for global investment.
