Tuggar Urges U.S. to Back Nigeria as Africa’s Anchor State in Global Investment Strategy Shift
By Raymond Enoch.
In a strategic push for deeper economic engagement, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called on the United States to prioritize partnerships with “anchor states” in Africa — naming Nigeria as a natural and essential partner in shaping a more balanced global investment landscape.
The position was contained in an official statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, following a high-level business roundtable hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The closed-door session brought together Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, senior members of the Nigerian delegation, and top executives from leading U.S. corporations. Discussions focused on unlocking investment in Nigeria’s priority sectors — including energy, agriculture, technology, and finance — amid ongoing economic reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tuggar, speaking at the forum, urged Washington to rethink its approach to Africa by re-engaging with key states capable of driving regional stability and growth.
“The United States should revert to working with anchor states in Africa, such as Nigeria. Our population, abundant resources, and continental scale make Nigeria a natural destination for U.S. business partnerships,” the Minister said. “Such collaboration will reduce operational costs, provide access to a vast talent pool, and help formalize millions of informal enterprises.”
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape — marked by regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and a renewed focus on ease of doing business — aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition the country as Africa’s most attractive investment destination.
He added that Nigeria’s demographic strength — with a youthful and increasingly tech-savvy population — along with its pivotal role in regional politics and trade, presents a compelling case for U.S. companies looking to expand their presence5 across the African continent.
“As we strengthen our democratic institutions and deepen economic diplomacy, we are building a foundation that will ensure mutually beneficial global partnerships — partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes for our citizens,” Tuggar noted.
The roundtable, seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to revive U.S.–Africa economic ties, comes at a time when global investors are re-evaluating supply chains, emerging markets, and geopolitical alliances.
Nigeria’s presence at UNGA80 — led by Vice President Shettima — underscores the country’s renewed push for strategic international engagement, especially in areas that promote sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
