Nigeria at a crossroads: Redefining foreign policy in a shifting world

BY AYOTUNDE ABIODUN

Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs – Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar’s recent speech at Chatham House delivered a bold and pragmatic vision of Nigeria’s foreign policy in an era of global uncertainty. The world is changing—multilateralism is under strain, protectionism is on the rise, and even the strongest democracies are grappling with these shifts present risks and opportunities for Nigeria opportunities, demanding a recalibrated approach to international relations. How the country responds will shape its global standing, economic future, and ability to champion African interests on the world stage.

One of the most striking aspects of Ambassador Tuggar’s speech was his unfiltered acknowledgement of the inequities within the global system. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the structural disadvantages facing developing nations, from vaccine hoarding to punitive financial regulations like Basel IV that restrict access to capital.

Meanwhile, Western countries are increasingly weaponising trade policies, furthering the divide between the Global North and South.

Against this backdrop, the minister’s assertion that “every country puts their interests first” signals a decisive shift in Nigeria’s diplomatic posture. Gone are the days of idealistic foreign policy; in its place, a more calculated and interest-driven approach is taking shape.

However, this does not mean isolationism. Tuggar was careful to emphasise that while self-interest is paramount, common interests exist and must be leveraged through strategic partnerships that yield tats.

For decades, Nigeria has been a central figure in for decadesAfrican diplomacy, leading peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts across the continent. But today, its leadership is no longer uncontested. Emerging powers like Rwanda and Kenya are asserting themselves in regional politics, and Nigeria’s domestic challenges—ranging from economic instability to persistent security threats—have weakened its influence. In its immediate backyard, the Sahel, external powers like Russia and China are making inroads, further complicating Nigeria’s ability to project leadership in West Africa.

Tuggar’s speech subtly acknowledged this shifting dynamic. While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to African unity, he also stressed the need to push for reforms in international institutions like the United Nations. Yet, Nigeria’s ability to lead will remain aspirational unless it first addresses the internal weaknesses that undermine its credibility. Political instability, total disdain for the rule of law, economic inconsistency, and insecurity in regions like the Sahel limit Nigeria’s ability to project power effectively. A strong foreign policy must begin with domestic stability.

Another key aspect of Tuggar’s address was his reflection on the global financial system and its impact on developing nations. He highlighted how Nigeria, like many others, navigates a financial landscape shaped by policies that often favour wealthier economies. He pointed to the need for more inclusive financial frameworks, noting that rigid institutional policies and regulatory requirements pose challenges to sustainable growth in African economies.

Tuggar’s flexible use of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) aligns with broader calls from emerging markets for a fairer financial architecture. Nigeria must actively seek alternative economic partnerships, balancing its historical ties with Western institutions against opportunities in blocs like BRICS+, which provide a counterweight to Western-dominated financial systems. Economic diplomacy must be at the forefront of Nigeria’s foreign policy, ensuring that trade, investment, and fiscal policies align with national development goals. Practically, this requires abandoning regional protectionism and embracing policies that facilitate cross-border trade, attract foreign direct investment, and enhance economic integration within Africa. By leveraging agreements like the AfCFTA and streamlining regulatory bottlenecks, Nigeria can position itself as a hub for commerce and industrial growth in the region.

Climate change is not just an en butental issue—it is a security crisis, particularly for a country like Nigeria. As Tuggar pointed out, the shrinking of Lake Chad has devastated livelihoods, fueling violent conflicts between herders and farmers and providing a fertile ground for extremism. Any meaningful security policy must therefore incorporate climate resilience.
Nigeria must leverage its position to push for global climate financing mechanisms that address these intertwined challenges. Instead of generic carbon reduction targets that often overlook Africa’s unique vulnerabilities, the focus should be on securing funding for adaptive strategies that mitigate climate-induced conflicts and economic disruptions.

Tuggar also reflected on the fragility of democracy—both in Africa and globally. The resurgence of military coups, coupled with growing authoritarian tendencies worldwide, presents a challenge to Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to democracy. If Nigeria is to maintain its credibility as a regional leader, it must lead by example. Strengthening electoral processes, upholding the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, and protecting press freedom are not just domestic imperatives—they are essential components of Nigeria’s international legitimacy. A government that champions democracy abroad while failing to uphold it at home will struggle to wield meaningful influence.

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, marked by executive overreach and legislative turmoil – (where President Bola Tinubu has declared a six-month state of emergency, suspending the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all state lawmakers, underscores this contradiction. Such domestic failings weaken Nigeria’s credibility and undermine Foreign Minister Tuggar’s thesis that Nigeria is a leader in promoting democratic value, Nigeria must take bold and strategic action acros to turn this vision into reality on multiple fronts.

First, deepening regional integration is essential. Nigeria must fully commit to making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) a functional economic engine that aligns with its industrialisation goals. By removing trade barriers, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering intra-African commerce, Nigeria can position itself as a leading driver of economic growth on the continent. A thriTA will not only create opportunities for Nigandsinesses but also strengthen the country’s economic influence in Africa.
Beyond regional trade, Nigeria must spearhead efforts to challenge restrictive global financial regulations that limit access to fair credit and investment opportunities for developing nations. By advocating for more equitable lending practices and investment mechanisms, Nigeria can help create a more balanced global financial system that benefits African economies rather than stifling their growth.

Security is another critical area where Nigeria must assert its influence. As regional conflicts and climate-related destabilisingue to destabilise parts of Africa, Nigeria should expand its role in peacekeeping efforts. However, with the military already stretched thin by internal deployments across the country, in a bid to combat insurgencies, a purely military-led approach is unsustainable. Instead, Nigeria must adopt a broader security strategy that includes diplomatic engagement, intelligence-sharing, and development initiatives. Incorporating climate resilience—such as addressing resource conflicts and migration crises—will be key to fostering long-term stability without overextending its security forces.

With the withdrawal of initiatives like Power Africa, Nigeria must take full control of its energy security and future. As the world accelerates its shift toward cleaner energy, Nigeria cannot afford to be a passive player shaped largely by external interests. Instead, it must forge its own path—one that balances sustainability with economic growth. Nigeria boasts some of the highest hydro and gas potential, certainly it has the choice to aggressively pursue investment in these resources, provide massive subsidies for off-grid solutions, or adopt a dual approach that maximises both. By leveraging its position as an energy powerhouse, Nigeria can negotiate a transition model that safeguards its oil and gas sector while securing long-term energy independence. Taking ownership of this will not only protect Nigeria’s economy and interests but also ensure a future where Africa dictates its energy destiny.

Finally, Nigeria must lead by example in strengthening democratic institutions. Robust domestic governance reforms will reinforce the country’s credibility as an African democratic leader. By enhancing transparency, respecting and strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring free and fair elections, Nigeria can set a standard for democratic governance that inspires other African countries

Through bold and strategic moves its visions can transform into reality—establishing itself as a regional powerhouse, a driving force for global financial reform, a leader in security and stability, a key player in energy diplomacy, and a model of democratic governance on the continent.

Ambassador Tuggar’s speech laid out a compelling vision for Nigeria’s foreign policy—one that is pragmatic, historically informed, and attuned to the shifting realities of the global order. However, rhetoric must be matched withcan the potential to redefine its role in world affairs, but only if it embraces a foreign policy that is adaptive, strategic, and unwaveringly focused on national interests. The world is changing—Nigeria must change with it.

Abiodun is an analyst at SBM Intelligence