Nigeria’s government Tuesday disclosed that it will be focusing on Sahel security, economic diplomacy among other international issues in 2026.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar made the disclosure at the New Year Diplomatic Reception in Abuja.
Tuggar, told ambassadors and heads of mission that Nigeria intends to navigate an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape through cooperation rather than confrontation.
He said in his speech: “As we look towards 2026, Nigeria’s foreign policy will be anchored on three priorities: strategic autonomy, regional stability, and responsible global partnership. In a period marked by geopolitical recalibration and fragmentation, Nigeria remains committed to dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation.”
On Regional Stability and Security, Tuggar said “Security and stability in the Sahel remain central priorities in 2026. The resurgence of terrorist activity has direct implications for regional prosperity and economic confidence. We must therefore recalibrate diplomatic and security frameworks to support effective, outcome-driven partnerships, including proven mechanisms such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).”
He added, “Beyond recent political developments, we remain neighbours with a shared responsibility for the safety and prosperity of our peoples. This is our region, and we must ensure that it works for all.”
The minister stressed that the Regional Partnership for Democracy “will therefore remain a central initiative in 2026. We aim to deepen its preventive focus, strengthen institutional capacity across the region, and reinforce collaboration among governments, civil society, and development partners. Democratic resilience must be proactive, not reactive. We invite you to partner with us as we roll out programmes under this framework.”
In the Area of economy, the minister said Nigeria will continue expanding engagement across the Global South while deepening ties with Europe, North America, Asia, and other longstanding partners in trade and investment.
“Macroeconomic indicators now show that Nigeria’s economy has turned a corner. With a robust capital market, a unified foreign exchange regime, a more coherent policy environment, and modernised tax laws, Nigeria is positioning itself as a competitive destination for long-term global capital,” he added.
On democratic phase and electoral cooperation, the minister told his guest that Nigeria has entered an important democratic phase with the recent announcement of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He therefore added, “We value the constructive partnerships we have long maintained with the diplomatic community and look forward to continued cooperation in areas such as capacity-building, electoral observation, and knowledge exchange, which strengthen credible democratic processes.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s commitment to Multilateralism, Tuggar said “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.”
The minister also pleaded for support for the country’s various camdidates vying for positions in the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the Human Rights Council, Non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2030, and the World Heritage Committee for 2029.
The minister also disclsoed that the country has refined its procedures as it concerns Ambassadors-designate.
He said that in the spirit of strengthening diplomatic engagement, we have refined our procedures so that once copies of letters of credence are presented to the Chief of Protocol, Ambassadors-designate may commence their official duties, except for formal engagements with the President and Vice President.
“We believe this adjustment will enhance efficiency and further streamline diplomatic interaction,” he explained
In conclusion, the minister reaffirmed an important procedural matter, saying that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the appropriate channel of communication between the diplomatic community and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Adherence to established diplomatic protocol ensures coherence, institutional clarity, and the smooth conduct of government-to-government relations. We encourage all missions to continue observing this practice in the spirit of mutual respect and effective coordination.”
