Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has called on wealthy nations to rethink how they engage with Africa in global trade, urging them to abandon exploitative practices and instead embrace genuine partnerships rooted in equality, respect, and sustainable development.
Speaking during a policy dialogue in Abuja, Tuggar criticized the tendency of some developed countries to treat Africa merely as a source of raw materials, comparing their approach to a “game of Minecraft” in which they mine resources without considering the continent’s long-term growth. He emphasized that such attitudes undermine Africa’s development goals and fail to recognize the region’s vast human and economic potential.
Tuggar stated that Africa, and particularly Nigeria, seeks to redefine its trade relationships to ensure value addition, technology transfer, and job creation on the continent. He argued that the future of global trade must be built on cooperation rather than extraction, highlighting that Africa is no longer content with being at the bottom of global value chains.
The minister also noted that Nigeria has remained resilient amid global trade tensions, including U.S. tariffs affecting some developing economies. He explained that while other nations have been heavily impacted by recent protectionist measures, Nigeria’s diverse trade strategy and expanding partnerships with countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have helped to cushion any adverse effects.
Tuggar further outlined Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of its economic diplomacy, saying that the country aims to boost intra-African trade and build stronger regional value chains. He added that Africa’s demographic strength, with a rapidly growing and youthful population, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of the global economy.
Economic experts say Tuggar’s remarks reflect a broader shift among African nations seeking to assert more influence in trade negotiations and investment deals. Many African leaders are increasingly demanding fairer terms and accountability from foreign investors, especially in sectors such as energy, mining, and technology.
Tuggar’s call underscores Nigeria’s vision for a new era of global trade — one where partnerships are based not on dependency but on shared prosperity, industrial growth, and mutual respect. As the world’s economies become more interconnected, his message resonates strongly with the push for a more balanced and equitable global trading system.
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