FG Pledges to End Humiliation Faced by Nigerians Abroad

FG Pledges to End Humiliation Faced by Nigerians Abroad

By Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Federal Government has made a strong commitment to ensure that no Nigerian will face humiliation abroad again.

This assurance was given yesterday,  by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja.

In his address titled “From Passive to Active Global Engagement Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership,” Tuggar discussed various initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, enhancing national pride, and boosting confidence in the Nigerian passport.

He also highlighted efforts in economic diplomacy, strategic global alliances, and enhancing national security.

According to Tuggar, the Ministry has made significant strides in foreign policy, which has positively impacted the perception of the Nigerian passport.

He noted that Nigeria has established diplomatic ties with Bahrain and is collaborating with Brazil on fertilizer production, hybrid seed development, and agricultural financing, amounting to $2.5 billion.

On Nigeria’s relationship with Canada, Tuggar mentioned efforts to expand entrepreneurship and experiential learning in Nigerian schools through Carleton University, as well as strengthening trade ties via the Sprott School of Business.

The Minister also reported deepened ties with China, including pledges for security, finance, and economic growth. He stated that both countries are working towards tariff removal to balance trade and have reached agreements on peanut exports and financing railway projects.

Tuggar announced that Nigeria has signed agreements for new projects and investments worth $4 billion with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and established bilateral agreements with Equatorial Guinea for the construction of the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project.

Additionally, Nigeria has elevated its partnership with Egypt to a comprehensive level, including agreements with EgyptAir to upgrade their fleet.

Regarding France, Tuggar highlighted a business cooperation agreement with UBA Group for full banking operations and a €600 million MOU for digital and creative industries. He also mentioned a signed MOU with Germany on solid minerals exploration, securing a $2 billion investment for the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project.

The Minister revealed that Nigeria has secured $14 billion in investment commitments from Indian investors across various sectors and signed MOUs with Kuwait to deepen cooperation. The Netherlands facilitated a €250 million investment to enhance existing businesses in Nigeria.

In collaboration with Qatar, Nigeria established a Joint Business Council to enhance trade partnerships and economic growth, signing seven MOUs to strengthen ties, particularly in education.

To bolster national and regional security, Tuggar noted that Russia has offered support, equipment, and training for Nigerian military personnel, along with a $500 million gas field licensing collaboration.

He also highlighted the signing of two MOUs with Saudi Arabia, which have significant economic implications for Nigeria, including a pact to boost the $7.7 trillion Halal Economy. Additionally, Tuggar announced that the United States facilitated the repatriation of $52.8 million to Nigeria and emphasized the existence of the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement.

The Minister disclosed that Nigeria has successfully secured the release of some citizens detained abroad, evacuated African students from Ukraine, supported Palestinian children affected by conflict, initiated the return of the Benin Bronzes, and deployed 213 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Tuggar also noted improvements in consular support efficiency, with the launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Database, which now exceeds 11,000 registrations. “This database strengthens engagement with the diaspora community,” he added.

At the beginning of the briefing, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to uphold press freedom and create a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria.

He stated, “This administration believes that a free and responsible press is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.”

Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s dedication to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians and encouraging constructive criticism and healthy opposition as vital components of a robust democratic framework.