Rethinking Trade: Africa's Call for Respect Over Resources

Nigeria's foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, urges rich nations to view trade with Africa as a partnership grounded in mutual respect and development, not merely resource extraction akin to a 'Minecraft game.' Amidst U.S. tariffs, Nigeria's large internal market and diverse foreign relations offer resilience and strategic autonomy.

Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has urged wealthy nations to rethink their trade strategies regarding Africa. He contends that the current approach likens to the game Minecraft, focusing purely on resource acquisition rather than fostering a mutually respectful partnership that supports African development.

During his appearance at the Reuters NEXT Gulf summit, Tuggar emphasized that bilateral relations should prioritize shared interests and Africa's need for growth. This, he argued, would help tackle pressing issues such as irregular migration, arising from underdevelopment in the continent.

Despite recent U.S. tariffs, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria's ability to withstand economic pressures, citing its robust internal market and diverse international trade connections, including partners like China and Brazil, that enhance its strategic autonomy.

(With inputs from agencies.)