Tuggar to Global Powers: Africa Deserves Fair, Respectful Trade Relations

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has urged wealthy nations to adopt a fairer and more respectful approach to trade and investment with Africa, warning against the extractive “resource grab” mindset that has long defined global economic engagement with the continent.

Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi, Tuggar likened the exploitative attitude of some developed nations to playing the popular video game Minecraft, where players mine materials for personal gain without considering long-term consequences or the development of the environment they exploit.

“Sometimes it’s like the game Minecraft: there’s oil, there’s gas, there are critical minerals and rare earths they just take what they need and move on,” he said. “That’s not the way it should go. The engagement must be based on mutual respect and shared interests, anchored on Africa’s right to develop.”

Tuggar emphasized that sustainable partnerships with Africa are crucial to addressing global challenges such as irregular migration and economic instability.

He noted that Nigeria Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation remains relatively resilient in the face of the United States’ 15% tariff on imports, including oil and gas, under President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to Tuggar, Nigeria’s large domestic market of over 230 million people, projected to hit 400 million by 2050, alongside strong trade ties with China and India, positions it strategically to diversify beyond traditional Western partnerships.

On domestic reforms, the minister highlighted efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s exchange rate, improve foreign exchange availability, cut taxes, and implement power sector reforms to attract investors. He added that new feed-in tariffs for renewable energy aim to accelerate clean energy adoption.

Despite decades of promises, Nigeria’s power sector remains a major constraint for businesses, with four in ten Nigerians still lacking access to electricity. Many urban residents rely on diesel generators to cope with frequent outages.

Tuggar maintained that overcoming these challenges requires both internal reforms and a global shift in mindset one that sees Africa not merely as a supplier of raw materials but as an equal partner in global development.

“If Africa doesn’t develop, the world will continue to face the ripple effects — migration, insecurity, and instability. True partnership means helping Africa grow,” he asserted.