Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called on European and African leaders to reject isolationist policies and embrace a partnership based on “good neighbourliness” and shared history.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors in Madrid on Friday, Tuggar addressed an audience of 182 diplomats, framing the two continents not as separate entities but as a single geopolitical space.
Challenging the ‘Wall’ Mentality
Speaking under the theme “Good Neighbourliness: Building Bridges or Building Walls,” the Minister argued that the Mediterranean Sea has historically functioned as a connector rather than a barrier. He cautioned that modern policies driven by fear often ignore the deep-rooted ties of trade and labor that have existed for centuries.
“Europe and Africa are bound together through shared economic foundations that predate the modern international system,” Tuggar stated, urging diplomats to prioritize historical reality over abstract security fears.
Migration and the Sahel Crisis
The Minister offered a candid assessment of migration, reaffirming Nigeria’s stance against irregular migration while criticizing the “securitization” of labor mobility. He warned that externally driven policies aimed at criminalizing migration in transit countries have had a “destabilizing” effect on the Sahel.
According to Tuggar, these policies have:
Dismantled local economies in transit zones.
Empowered human trafficking syndicates.
Contributed to political instability and insecurity in West Africa.
He specifically lauded Spain’s “circular migration” programs—which allow for legal, seasonal work—as a pragmatic and humane alternative to coercive border strategies.
Economic and Democratic Stability
On the economic front, Tuggar noted that Africa’s marginal share of global trade is unsustainable given its population. He argued that the current model of exporting raw materials in exchange for manufactured goods fuels the economic pressures that drive migration.
“Value-addition is not an act of charity but an investment in shared stability,” he told the assembly.
Addressing the recent wave of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s new Regional Partnership for Democracy alongside the UNDP. He emphasized that for democracy to endure in the region, it must be adapted to reflect local histories and cultural contexts.
A Call for Courageous Diplomacy
Closing his address, Tuggar made a plea for “courageous diplomacy” in an era he described as increasingly over-militarized and polarized. He urged the Spanish diplomatic corps to act as advocates for dialogue and compromise, arguing that building bridges is a demand of geography and common interest that statesmanship can no longer ignore.