mutual respect Archives

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Trade with Africa not a game of Minecraft

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the need for a more respectful and goal-oriented approach to international trade with Africa, moving away from a transactional mindset likened to the video game Minecraft. He highlighted the importance of recognizing Africa's developmental needs to address issues like irregular migration. Tuggar noted Nigeria's resilience against U.S. trade tariffs due to its diverse trading partnerships, which have helped it navigate global trade challenges. He called for rich countries to shift their engagement from resource extraction to fostering sustainable development that benefits both Africa and developed nations.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Nigeria warns against ‘Minecraft approach’ in trade with Africa

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, emphasized the country's commitment to "strategic autonomy" in international trade during his speech at the Reuters NEXT Gulf summit in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted Nigeria's diversified trade strategy, which has protected the nation from the negative impacts of U.S. tariffs. Tuggar called for wealthier nations to engage with Africa based on "mutual respect" rather than oversimplified economic relationships. He noted that Nigeria's tariff rate is 15%, lower than South Africa's 30%, and stated that Nigeria will not yield to U.S. pressures regarding third-country migrants. Tuggar pointed out Nigeria's competitive edge due to its large internal market and talent pool, asserting that the country's trade relationships are based on national interests rather than ideological considerations. As of 2024, China is Nigeria's largest trading partner, while the U.S. ranks fifth.