Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to principled and constructive diplomacy, signalling a renewed push for global leadership and strategic partnerships during the 2026 New Year Reception with members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of International Organisations accredited to the country.
The reception, hosted in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, senior government officials, and representatives of international organisations to mark the beginning of the diplomatic year and strengthen engagement between Nigeria and its global partners.
Also present at the event were the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the diplomatic community.
In his address, Tuggar expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the international community, reaffirming the country’s commitment to principled, constructive, and forward-looking diplomacy amid shifting geopolitical realities and global uncertainty.
He outlined three core pillars that will guide Nigeria’s foreign policy in 2026 — Strategic Autonomy, Regional Stability, and Responsible Global Partnership stressed Nigeria’s continued preference for dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation in international relations.
Highlighting progress in economic diplomacy, the Minister noted Nigeria’s sustained investment outreach and sector-focused partnerships across infrastructure, agriculture, energy, digital connectivity, and industrial development. He referenced the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit held on the margins of the ECOWAS @50 celebrations as part of efforts to deepen regional trade integration, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and promote private sector-driven growth.
On democratic governance and regional stability, Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting electoral integrity, and reinforcing inclusive governance across West Africa and the Sahel. He reiterated that security in the Sahel remains a strategic priority and called for strengthened, outcome-oriented partnerships.
The Minister also pointed to encouraging macroeconomic indicators driven by ongoing reforms, including a unified foreign exchange regime, strengthened capital markets, and modernised fiscal frameworks, which he said are positioning Nigeria as an increasingly competitive destination for long-term global investment.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation, he sought continued support from the diplomatic community for Nigeria’s international candidacies, including bids for the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the United Nations Human Rights Council, non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2030, and the World Heritage Committee for 2029.
In a procedural update aimed at improving diplomatic efficiency, the Minister announced that ambassadors-designate may commence official duties upon presenting copies of their Letters of Credence to the Chief of Protocol, pending formal presentation to the President and Vice President.
Tuggar further reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained the appropriate channel of communication between the Diplomatic Community and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscoring the importance of adherence to established diplomatic protocol.
The reception provided an opportunity for participants to exchange New Year greetings, renew diplomatic goodwill, and strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners. The event concluded with a group photograph and informal interactions among attendees.
Nigeria, the Minister noted, entered 2026 as a confident and stabilising partner committed to peace, economic integration, democratic resilience, and responsible global cooperation.
