Nigeria will base its 2026 foreign policy on strategic autonomy, regional stability and responsible global partnerships, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar announced.
He made the announcement at the annual New Year reception for ambassadors and heads of missions in Abuja on Tuesday night.
The minister said Nigeria's diplomacy in the coming year would prioritize dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation, in what he described as a period of global geopolitical recalibration and fragmentation.
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He commended the ambassadors who recently completed their tour of duty in Nigeria and welcomed the new envoys from Qatar, Lebanon, Namibia, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, promising close cooperation based on mutual respect.
The Minister announced a procedural refinement, allowing designated ambassadors to commence official duties after presenting copies of their credentials to the Chief of Protocol.
However, formal interactions with the President and Vice President will be subject to production of full credentials.
Reviewing Nigeria's foreign policy activities in 2025, Tuggar said the country has intensified its economic diplomacy through targeted investment outreach and high-level bilateral commitments in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, digital connectivity and industrial development.
He said that on the sidelines of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) @50 Summit, Nigeria organized the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit to deepen regional trade and integration, mobilize investment, strengthen infrastructure connectivity and expand employment opportunities across West Africa.
He said Nigeria expanded its partnerships in the Global South and the Middle East, strengthening long-term relations with the European Union, the United States and China in areas such as trade, education, public health, climate action, migration negotiations and security cooperation.
Complementing this effort, Nigeria launched the Regional Partnership for Democracy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which aims to strengthen democratic institutions, promote electoral integrity, and strengthen inclusive governance across West Africa and the Sahel.
Tugger identified security and stability in the Sahel as central to Nigeria's 2026 vision, warning that the resurgence of terrorist activity is a direct threat to regional prosperity and investor confidence.
They called for a recalibration of diplomatic and security frameworks to support effective, results-driven partnerships, including proven mechanisms such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, which coordinates regional counter-terrorism operations.
He said, “Regardless of recent political developments, we remain neighbors with a shared responsibility for the security and prosperity of our people. This is our territory and we must ensure it works for all.”
He said the Regional Partnership for Democracy will focus on a greater preventive focus in 2026, strengthening institutional capacity and strengthening cooperation between governments, civil society and development partners.
He invited members of the diplomatic community to support the programs under this initiative.
On the domestic front, Tugger said macroeconomic indicators suggest Nigeria's economy has “turned a corner”, citing a strong capital market, an integrated foreign exchange regime, a more coherent policy environment and modern tax laws as factors enhancing the country's attractiveness for long-term global capital.
He said Nigeria will continue to expand engagement in the global south by deepening economic ties with Europe, North America and Asia.
With the publication of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tuggar said Nigeria is entering another important democratic phase.
He reaffirmed the Government's appreciation for the long-term partnership with the diplomatic community in areas such as capacity building, election observation and knowledge exchange.
Positioning Nigeria as a “confident, constructive and stable partner”, Tuggar reaffirmed the country's commitment to multilateralism as the most credible framework to address global challenges.
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He said, “In a world where fragmentation may seem expedient, inclusive institutions, rules-based cooperation and continued dialogue are indispensable for global stability.”
She sought diplomatic support for Nigeria's candidature to key international bodies, including 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 reiterated that the Ministry of External Affairs remains the proper channel of communication between foreign missions and the Federal Government, urging strict adherence to established diplomatic protocols to ensure coherence and institutional clarity.
Tuggar emphasized the enduring value of diplomacy in building bridges, reducing misunderstandings, and advancing shared prosperity.
“Nigeria stands ready to continue this work with you,” he said, expressing hope for a productive year ahead.
