President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will mark two years in charge of Nigeria next month with a lot of landmark achievements as well as "failed reforms" to look back at.
One of the cornerstones in shaping his global standing and advancing Nigeria's strategic interests across the world is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), but it has not always been smooth for the ministry in the last two years.
There has been a general outcry over the delay in the appointment of ambassadors and high commissioners for the country. This is one of the lows of the current administration. For about two years, Nigeria has yet to appoint envoys to replace the sacked ones.
Though the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has assured that the process of appointing the envoys is nearing conclusion, Nigerians feel the country has suffered greatly in the international scene as a result of a lack of representation at the highest diplomatic level.
Experts in international relations feel the country would have achieved more if it had ambassadors and high commissioners in place since.
Another issue has been the budgetary allocation to Nigerian missions across the world. There have been stories of officials having to send their family members back to Nigeria as they could not cater to their needs.
Besides, there are also reports of dilapidated infrastructures at the country's missions and a lack of materials to work with.
Be that as it may, the government has made impacts in other areas in the last two years, especially in attracting business investment to the country and cementing ties with friendly countries.
With a focus on promoting economic growth, national security, diplomatic relations, and engagement with global partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' actions have positioned Nigeria as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The period between August 2023 and March 2025 has seen remarkable diplomatic achievements, investments, and key partnerships that are expected to have a profound impact on Nigeria's long-term growth and stability.
One of the ministry's primary responsibilities has been to facilitate investment and economic partnerships that contribute to Nigeria's growth and development. The ministry has successfully secured a range of significant investment deals and forged strategic relationships with key global players.
It played a pivotal role in facilitating $14 billion worth of investment commitments from three Indian investors across diverse sectors, including ICT, agriculture, power, steel and manufacturing, defence, telecom, space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate, and hospitality.
"This massive investment is expected to not only provide substantial financial returns but also stimulate job creation and technological innovation within Nigeria," Ambassador Tuggar said while speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' key achievements from August 2023 to March 2025.
"A €250 million investment was secured from the Netherlands to boost existing businesses in Nigeria, creating further opportunities for economic growth," he added.
He also disclosed that the ministry facilitated two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Saudi Arabia, which will have long-lasting economic implications for Nigeria.
"These agreements focus on oil and gas, where Saudi Arabia will invest in the reconstruction of Nigeria's four decrepit state refineries.
"Furthermore, the Saudi government will provide financial support for Nigeria's foreign exchange reforms, which will help stabilise the national currency and promote economic growth," the minister explained.
Additionally, the ministry secured a $2 billion investment with Germany on the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project aimed to revamp the nation's power sector, enhancing electricity supply and reliability.
Moreover, the ministry facilitated the repatriation of $52.8 million in stolen assets from the United States, an effort that was finalised in January 2025. "These funds will be utilised for national development projects through a World Bank grant to support the rural electrification agency, benefiting over six million households. This achievement demonstrates the ministry's commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring the effective use of recovered assets for national benefit," he said.
Another major achievement within the last two years was the signing of a pact with Saudi Arabia to tap into the $7.7 trillion halal economy.
"This cooperation will position Nigeria as a leading player in the global halal market, opening doors to trade and investment in halal-certified products," the minister explained.
The country also took significant steps to enhance its national security and regional stability through its diplomatic efforts. In February 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised an emergency ECOWAS Summit to address the political crises in West Africa, specifically focusing on withdrawing sanctions imposed on breakaway countries in the region. This initiative helped avoid a potential humanitarian crisis and took a major step toward normalising relations in the sub-region.
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The ministry worked closely with Russia, which agreed to provide military support, equipment and training for Nigerian forces to enhance national and regional security. This support extends to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), further solidifying Nigeria's strategic autonomy and military capabilities.
Agriculture continues to be a key pillar in Nigeria's development agenda, and the ministry has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving food security, promoting investment, and fostering international cooperation.
It facilitated the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). This partnership will enhance trade relationships, create investment opportunities, and bolster agricultural output in Nigeria.
An international relations analyst, Michael Olugbode, hailed the government's achievements at the global stage so far, pointing out that President Tinubu's foreign trips have been beneficial to the country.
He also called on the president to resolve the issues in the ECOWAS, where members are exiting.
Olugbode said Nigeria should do everything possible to bring all members back together.
