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minister urges patience with international deals, says diplomacy takes time

Minister urges patience with international deals, says diplomacy takes time

Minister urges patience with international deals, says diplomacy takes time插图

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the country’s international agreements and diplomatic efforts, which, he said, would take time to yield results.

Tuggar made this call when he briefed journalists on the outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to France.

Although he described the trip as a “resounding success,” he warned against expecting quick results, citing the gradual process of diplomacy.

He said, “We shouldn’t view diplomacy and international relations as a marketplace transaction. It takes time.

“There must first be a framework, then agreements, and subsequently, collaboration between businesses.”

The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s role in creating an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses can leverage the opportunities arising from these bilateral agreements.

He cited ongoing reforms designed to attract foreign investors, saying they reflect the administration’s commitment to free enterprise.

Tuggar enumerated significant achievements from the trip, including a $2.4bn agriculture investment secured during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil and several Memoranda of Understanding signed in France.

He noted that President Tinubu prioritised food security during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who responded favourably.

“The president emphasised the importance of food security to his administration. Macron has responded positively,” said Tuggar.

The discussions also revealed Nigeria’s extensive reserves of key minerals, including lithium, which Tuggar described as a “revelation” to the French delegation. This prompted President Macron to call for a new Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals to be reviewed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice.

Discussions also covered other critical sectors, including clean energy and infrastructure. Tuggar highlighted President Tinubu’s interest in developing safe, non-military nuclear energy and solar power as areas for collaboration with France.

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On security, he acknowledged a shift in France’s approach to West Africa, with President Macron acknowledging past mistakes and seeking Nigeria’s guidance on counterterrorism initiatives.

“The French have acknowledged their past mistakes and recognise that Nigeria’s involvement is crucial to any efforts in securing West Africa,” he said.

On the domestic front, Tuggar emphasised the importance of ongoing reforms to create an environment conducive to investment. He said the recent Electricity Act allows states to establish power generation, distribution, and transmission systems.

While addressing misconceptions about the proposed Tax Reform Bill, Tuggar argued that the bill would consolidate, rather than increase, taxes, making it easier for businesses to operate.

“President Tinubu wants to reduce the tax burden, making it simpler and more attractive for businesses,” he explained.

Reflecting on the overall outcomes, Tuggar reiterated the need for patience in evaluating the benefits of diplomacy.

“Government provides the enabling environment, but these outcomes are not immediate transactions—they take time,” he said.

The Foreign Minister also expressed confidence that the foundations laid
during President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagements would yield significant long-term benefits for Nigeria.

While in France, Presidents Tinubu and Macron signed two agreements to ensure a partnership on the development of critical infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of agriculture and food security.

This came as both Presidents witnessed the signing of the agreement by the United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, for the bank to commence operations in Paris.

The partnership agreements were signed at an economic forum attended by businessmen, captains of industry, governors, and senior government officials from both countries at the Palais des Élysées in Paris, France, during President Tinubu’s state visit.

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