Nigerian Foreign Minister in UK for High-Level Talks

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has begun a high-level working visit to the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

The visit, announced by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, will see Ambassador Tuggar engage with UK government officials, business leaders and academic institutions.

Key Focus Areas

The Minister’s agenda includes discussions on trade, investment, technology, media, and academia, reflecting Nigeria’s drive for economic growth and sustainable development.

In London, Ambassador Tuggar is scheduled to:

• Deliver a speech and participate in a discussion on Nigeria’s foreign policy at Chatham House.
• Attend a roundtable discussion on technology and trade at the House of Commons, focusing on Nigeria’s economic diversification and digital transformation.
• Engage with media stakeholders at the BBC House.
• Hold meetings with JP Morgan and British International Investment (BII) to discuss financial and economic cooperation.

Bilateral Discussions

Ambassador Tuggar will also hold bilateral meetings with senior UK government officials, including representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These discussions will centre on:

• Security and intelligence-sharing to combat extremism in West Africa.
• Expanding business and investment opportunities.
• Strengthening collaboration in education, research, and technology.

Academic and Cultural Engagement

The Minister will also engage with the African Centre and the University of Cambridge, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to knowledge exchange and academic partnerships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit is a “pivotal moment” in Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, reinforcing his administration’s focus on economic diplomacy and regional security.

The visit aims to consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the UK, explore new avenues for economic growth, and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability.