Nigeria is boldly asserting its economic independence by prioritizing intra-African trade and avoiding alignment in global power disputes, according to Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. Speaking in London, Tuggar outlined a policy of “strategic autonomy,” focusing on pragmatic alliances rather than choosing sides between competitors like the US and China. Central to this strategy is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to fuel domestic growth and strengthen ties between regional economic blocs. Interestingly, Tuggar framed recent US tariffs as a potential “blessing,” suggesting they could create new outsourcing opportunities for Nigerian businesses. This independent stance also informs other decisions, such as refusing to accept US deportees due to a lack of capacity. Ultimately, Nigeria is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of the global economy on its own terms, betting on African integration as its primary engine for the future.
SEMAFOR
