Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed Nigeria’s position in its fight against terrorism and other forms of insecurity.In a speech delivered on Wednesday at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington D.C, the minister held that Nigeria was not seeking for handouts but genuine partnerships.
While acknowledging the need for resources, Tuggar told his audience that Nigeria was seeking true partnership, not just aid.
“We are seeking partnerships, not handouts to counter terrorism, insecurity and disinformation.
“Nigeria, as a nation, is facing climate change, migration and violent extremism. It needs weapons and technical support to address these issues effectively,” Tuggar said.
He also used the occasion to highlight the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United States and called for a more collaborative approach to navigate the complex global landscape.
“Nigeria and the United States have a longstanding and robust relationship dating back to our independence in 1960. This relationship has continued to grow stronger as illustrated by our significant bilateral trade and cooperation on a wide range of issues.”
The minister pointed to a recent meeting with the US Deputy Secretary of State as evidence of the growing partnership, which he said, comprised various areas, including, economy, security, technology, energy, food security and multilateral reform.
Emphasising the urgency of international cooperation, Tuggar listed some of the challenges confronting the world, stressing that nations had found themselves at a crucial juncture marked by unprecedented global challenges and transformative opportunities.
Nigeria, he said, was well-positioned to play a role as a “non-aligned conciliator” due to its history of overcoming internal differences and its leadership role in the region.
Tuggar underscored the interconnectedness of global security issues, stressing that insecurity in Nigeria was inextricably linked to instability in the sub-region, which he said, could have a severe impact on global stability if not urgently stemmed.
He, therefore, urged the US and other nations to adopt a proactive approach towards assisting Nigeria and Africa, cautioning that the US and the rest of the world could not afford to wait until the problems reached their doorsteps.
Expressing confidence in the future of the US-Nigeria relationship, the minister held that though the world facing stability challenges, the relationship between Nigeria and the US can transcend the challenges of the day. He therefore called for a collaborative effort to promote democracy, and inclusive development as well as strengthen ties with diasporan communities.
