WorldStage– The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment toward implementing its 2026 foreign policy roadmap, centered on the pillars of regional stability and responsible global partnership.
Tuggar disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, against the backdrop of the New Year reception for Ambassadors and Heads of Mission to Nigeria.
The reception, which centered on Nigeria’s foreign policy outlook for 2026, sought to strengthen diplomatic engagement and valued partnership between the ministry and the diplomatic community.
According to him, Nigeria intends to navigate an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape through cooperation rather than confrontation, while announcing a refinement in diplomatic procedures.
Tuggar said, “Ambassadors-designate may now commence official duties immediately after presenting copies of their Letters of Credence to the Chief of Protocol.
“This allows foreign envoys to begin work without waiting for formal meetings with the President or Vice-President, though the latter remains a requirement for high-level state engagements.”
He used the occasion to welcome new envoys from Qatar, Lebanon, Namibia, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, saying the ministry remains the official channel for communication with the Federal Government to ensure institutional clarity.
On tackling insecurity in the Sahel, he emphasised that security in the Sahel remains a top priority for 2026, warning that the resurgence of terrorism threatens economic confidence across West Africa.
“To combat this, Nigeria calls for a recalibration of security frameworks, specifically highlighting the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
“Nigeria will continue to spearhead the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), democratic resilience must be proactive, not confrontation.
“Nigeria aims to position itself as a premier destination for global capital in 2026, seeking to balance ties between the Global South and established partners in Europe, North America, and Asia.
“As Nigeria enters a new electoral phase following the publication of the official timetable by INEC, the Federal Government expresses its desire for continued cooperation in electoral observation and capacity building,” he said.
The minister said that Nigeria will also remain committed to rules-based international order, while describing the nation as a confident, constructive and stabilising partner, for the year ahead.
According to him, Nigeria seeks international support for several high-profile candidatures on the global stage, including the UN Security Council (Non-permanent seat for 2030), among other things.
He commended constructive partnerships so far sustained between the ministry and the diplomatic community, while expressing the hope such will continue.
“We look forward to continuing this cooperation in areas such as capacity-building, electoral observation, and knowledge exchange, which strengthen credible democratic processes.
“Nigeria approaches 2026 as a confident, constructive and stabilising partner. Our diplomacy will continue to prioritise peace, economic integration, democratic resilience, and responsible global cooperation.
“We remain firmly committed to multilateralism as the most credible framework for managing global challenges.
“In a world where fragmentation may seem expedient, Nigeria believes that inclusive institutions, rules-based cooperation, and sustained dialogue remain indispensable to global stability,” he said.
