From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria plans to leverage the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to enhance strategic diplomatic and economic partnerships with Japan and other African countries.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said this in Yokohama, Japan—just before the conference’s opening on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
He stressed that Nigeria’s active participation in TICAD underscores President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to regional integration, trade expansion, and sustainable development on the continent.
“Nigeria’s involvement reflects our commitment to strengthening regional ties and positioning Africa for sustainable growth,” Tuggar stated.
The foreign minister highlighted Nigeria’s critical role in advocating for reforms in the global financial system, especially regarding debt rescheduling and restructuring. He noted that such reforms are essential for Africa’s development.
“Unless we have reforms in the global financial architecture, Africa as a whole cannot benefit,” Tuggar said. He pointed out that the attendance of major international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank at TICAD9 reinforces the importance of this issue.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s post-war economic rise—often described by the “flying geese effect”, where Japanese companies invested across Asia to drive industrialisation—Nigeria aims to replicate a similar model.
“In Nigeria, we seek to replicate this by building an industrial base, creating jobs for our teeming youths, and tackling unemployment,” the minister explained. He also expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, which are already demonstrating positive results.
Beyond financial reforms, Nigeria is exploring ways to expand its current $1 billion trade volume with Japan, targeting sectors such as agricultural exports. The country is also enhancing cooperation with key Japanese entities like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
With about 17 African heads of state attending TICAD9, Nigeria plans to use the gathering to rally support for its bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, as well as key roles in the International Court of Justice and the International Maritime Organisation.
“Nigeria must be at the decision-making tables of the world. That is why we are using this platform to lobby for the positions that rightfully strengthen our role in shaping global policies,” Tuggar declared.
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