Nigeria's Call for Respectful Trade Engagements with Rich Nations

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, urged rich countries to respect Africa in trade engagements, criticizing a resource-extraction approach. Despite U.S. tariffs, Nigeria focuses on varied global partners. Challenges include power deficits and false religious persecution narratives. Positive steps involve currency stabilization, tax reforms, and infrastructural improvements.

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has called on affluent countries to foster trade relationships with Africa centered on mutual respect rather than simply acquiring natural resources. Tuggar likened the current approach to a game of Minecraft, urging for a shift towards equitable partnerships.

He asserted that Nigeria, though a significant oil exporter facing challenges such as power deficits, is less impacted by U.S. trade tariffs and is diversifying its global partnerships with nations like China, India, and Brazil.

Addressing economic improvements, he highlighted Nigeria's strides in stabilizing its currency, reforming the power sector, and cutting taxes, while dispelling unfounded claims of Christian persecution within the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)