The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed concerns about the growing inefficacy of the international system, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by African nations. Speaking at Chatham House on Tuesday, Tuggar focused on “Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy and global aspirations” and pointed out the growing inability of global institutions to effectively address Africa’s needs.
He cited ongoing conflicts in Sudan, eastern Congo, and the Sahel, where international bodies like the United Nations have been ineffective in providing lasting solutions. Tuggar emphasized the inability of these organizations to not only resolve conflicts but also prevent future ones.
“The existential threat to multilateralism and the rules-based international order—is it really as new as it might seem?” Tuggar asked. He noted that the UN has struggled to provide anything beyond basic humanitarian support in these regions.
Tuggar also criticized the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the disparity in access to vaccines and resources for developing nations. He pointed out that some countries were far better off than others, underscoring the deep inequalities within the global system.
“The response to the pandemic demonstrated that some partners were much more equal than others,” he said, highlighting how multilateralism failed during the health crisis.
The minister called for a reform of the global financial system, pointing to issues like Basel IV regulations and unequal access to markets and technology, which hinder Africa’s development. He noted that the international system often favors wealthier nations at the expense of the developing world.
Tuggar urged a reassessment of the current international order, arguing that the systems and frameworks in place no longer meet the needs of many developing countries. He emphasized the importance of creating a new balance in global cooperation that takes into account the aspirations and challenges of countries like Nigeria.
“Nigeria has been advocating for the adaptation of global systems, agencies, and rules,” Tuggar concluded. “We need to ensure that these institutions remain relevant in a complex and ever-changing world.”
