Burnishing Nigeria’s Image, Boosting Trade Amid Challenges

Nigeria’s diplomatic exploits under President Bola Tinubu have opened channels of trade and investments with important countries within the context of its 4Ds Foreign Policy doctrine aimed at giving Nigeria a good image, while protecting its citizens in the Diaspora.

The 4Ds (Diplomacy, Development, Democracy and Diaspora) opened diverse means to strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration amid the enormous challenges confronting the country.

Within the last couple of days, Nigeria took steps to strengthen relations with the Republic of Cuba in the area of trade and investment as both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual benefits.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister,  Yusuf Tuggar and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla in Abuja on Monday signed the pact aimed at deepening cooperation and fostering stronger bilateral ties in other sectors like education, healthcare and cultural exchange.

Nigeria and Cuba share historical and cultural connections and affirmed their loyalty to the common elements of their heritage.

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Tuggar highlighted both countries’ deep-rooted ties, saying “Cuba played a very prominent role in the liberation of the African continent from the shackles of colonialism and championed the cause of freedom for African countries   under the yoke of racist regimes in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

“Cuba and Nigeria fought against racist regimes in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe” adding that the new pact will boost cooperation in the medical field, Science and Technology, research and development.

The Cuban foreign minister, in his remarks, said the connection between Cuba and Africa is deep, even as he expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support to his country against the unilateral blockade imposed on it by the United States of America.

However, it is instructive to note that Nigeria has for over one year not appointed substantive heads of its foreign missions such as high commissioners and ambassadors and this, according to experts, is affecting serious diplomatic engagements with important trading partners.

But Tuggar during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series where he presented Nigeria’s scorecard and its positive exploits in global diplomacy on Thursday in Abuja, assured that the Federal Government will soon appoint the top official as  names of the nominated senior envoys will be sent to the Senate soon for confirmation.

Tuggar, who titled his presentation “From Passive to Active Global Engagement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership”, also noted that Nigeria vigorously pursued a robust “Citizen Diplomacy” which has ensured respect and dignity for Nigerian citizens globally as well as boosting confidence in the Nigerian passport.

In another dimension Nigeria’s commitments in economic diplomacy has led to securing a deal with Indian investors who facilitated $14 billion across multiple sectors, as well as from the Netherlands, which secured €250 million for Nigerian businesses.

According to the former Nigerian ambassador to Germany, “Nigeria’s Eurobond success achieved 300% oversubscription, which indicates strong global investor confidence; strategic MOUs signed Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and Equatorial Guinea, France, Cuba, Qatar, UK, India, Brazil thereby  strengthening key sectors like power, oil & gas, agriculture, and infrastructure.”

Indeed engagements with China have led to breaking barriers for Nigerian businesses and removal of trade barriers thereby eliminating tariffs on Nigerian cashews and nuts by China, while the country is poised to utilize the Joint Business Council (JBC) with Qatar to enhance agricultural trade as well as landmark agreements for the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline with Equatorial Guinea.

While trade and investments are important, the Nigerian image in recent times has been battered by the unpleasant behavior of some of its citizens in foreign land who have engaged in criminal activities, which have brought unsavory names to the country.

However, Tuggar assured that the current administration will do all it takes to burnish the nation’s image and protect its citizens abroad.  He said “imagine a Nigeria where every citizen walks into any embassy, any airport, and any business negotiation- not with fear or intimidation but with confidence.

“Imagine a Nigeria whose passport opens doors, whose businesses lead global markets and whose voice is not just heard but respected.”

These important engagements, though commendable, can only make much sense if they can improve the lives of the people by making the economy better in a country where the citizens are burdened by high levels of unemployment coupled with high rate of inflation, food and energy costs.