Minister appeals for patience, emphasizes diplomacy requires time

Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts and international accords would take time to produce benefits; therefore, Nigerians should be patient, said Yusuf Tuggar, the country’s minister of foreign affairs, on Saturday.

When he informed reporters about the results of President Bola Tinubu’s most recent state visit to France, Tuggar made this call.

Citing the slow process of diplomacy, he cautioned against expecting immediate results despite calling the trip a “resounding success.”

“Diplomacy and international relations should not be viewed as a commercial transaction,” he stated. It requires time.

“A framework must be established first, followed by agreements and business collaboration.”

The Federal Government’s responsibility in establishing an ecosystem that allows Nigerian companies to take advantage of the potential presented by these bilateral agreements was also emphasized by the minister.

He mentioned current changes aimed at luring in foreign capital, claiming they demonstrate the administration’s dedication to free enterprise.

Tuggar listed a number of noteworthy accomplishments from the trip, such as multiple Memoranda of Understanding inked in France and a $2.4 billion agriculture investment obtained during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.

He pointed out that President Tinubu gave food security a priority in his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, to which Macron gave a positive response.

The president emphasized how crucial food security is to his government. “The response from Macron has been positive,” Tuggar said.

Nigeria’s vast reserves of important minerals, such as lithium, were also discussed; Tuggar called this a “revelation” to the French delegation. This led President Macron to request that Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice evaluate a new Memorandum of Understanding on essential minerals.

Other important areas, such as infrastructure and sustainable energy, were also discussed. Tuggar emphasized President Tinubu’s desire to work with France to create solar power and safe, non-military nuclear energy.

He noted that France’s strategy toward West Africa has changed in terms of security, with President Macron admitting his faults and looking to Nigeria for advice on counterterrorism measures.

He claimed that the French had admitted their previous errors and understood the importance of Nigeria’s participation in any endeavor to secure West Africa.

On the home front, Tuggar emphasized the significance of continuous changes to foster an atmosphere that attracts investment. According to him, states can now set up transmission, distribution, and power producing networks thanks to the new Electricity Act.

Tuggar clarified misunderstandings over the proposed Tax Reform Bill by stating that it will simplify corporate operations by combining taxes rather than raising them.

He clarified, “President Tinubu wants to lower the tax burden, making it easier and more appealing for businesses.”

In light of the overall results, Tuggar reaffirmed the importance of exercising patience when assessing the advantages of diplomacy.

“The enabling environment is provided by the government, but these results are not instantaneous transactions—they take time,” he stated.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed his belief that Nigeria would reap substantial long-term advantages from the groundwork established during President Tinubu’s most recent diplomatic visits.

Presidents Tinubu and Macron signed two agreements while in France to guarantee a collaboration on the long-term sustainability of agriculture and food security as well as the development of vital infrastructure.

The United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, signed an agreement allowing the bank to start operations in Paris, which was witnessed by both presidents.

During President Tinubu’s state visit, the collaboration agreements were signed during an economic forum at the Palais des Élysées in Paris, France, which was attended by businesses, captains of industry, governors, and senior government officials from both nations.