The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has said that as the global system is shifting, Africa cannot afford to be a passive observer.

Speaking at the Chatham House in London on Wednesday, Amb. Tuggar said that Nigeria is strengthening trade partnerships, securing investments, and reducing external dependency to position itself as a global economic powerhouse.

The Minister also disclosed that Nigeria remains committed to regional stability, balancing non-interference with active engagement in governance and security, adding that the nation is asserting itself as a strategic player, not just a recipient of policies set elsewhere.

He said: “I outlined how strategic autonomy, economic diplomacy, and democratic governance define our global engagement. The world is changing, and so is Nigeria’s role in it.

“Our 4D foreign policy framework- Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora- remains at the core of our diplomatic strategy. With Nigeria’s population set to reach 377 million by 2050, our policies must ensure that this growth translates into influence, opportunity, and leadership.

“Economic diplomacy is key. Nigeria is strengthening trade partnerships, securing investments, and reducing external dependency to position itself as a global economic powerhouse.

“The global system is shifting. Africa cannot afford to be a passive observer. We are pushing for a fairer global financial system, energy, security, and climate policies that reflect our realities.

“Security in West Africa is interconnected. Nigeria remains committed to regional stability, balancing non-interference with active engagement in governance and security.

“As global shifts redefine power dynamics, Nigeria is asserting itself as a strategic player, not just a recipient of policies set elsewhere. Our future depends on a foreign policy that is proactive, adaptive, and firmly rooted in national interest.”