Abuja: In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s global partnerships, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has reaffirmed the country’s dedication to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Singapore.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister.
The minister said that this would enhance sustainable development and consolidate Nigeria’s leadership role within Africa and engagement globally.
Abdulkadir said Tuggar’s reaffirmation follows the Fifth Singapore–Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV), which was held from Aug. 26 to 28.
Enterprise Singapore, the government agency responsible for enterprise development and global market access in Singapore, organised it.
The SAMEV, with the theme: “Progressing Together towards a Sustainable Future,” hosted by Balakrishnan, is a biennial platform.
Tuggar said one of the most significant outcomes for Nigeria was the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), also known as a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), between Nigeria and Singapore.
According to him, the agreement provides a legal framework to encourage and safeguard investments between the two countries, strengthen Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination, while offering protection for Singaporean investors.
Tuggar said, “The BIT is expected to catalyse economic cooperation, deepen investor confidence, and expand opportunities in key sectors, such as infrastructure, technology and sustainable development.
“It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy drive to attract foreign direct investment and build global economic partnerships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“For Nigeria, SAMEV and Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) 2025 underscored the importance of multilateral and bilateral engagement in advancing national priorities.”
He stated that, beyond the formal agreements, the platforms created opportunities for Nigeria to showcase its economic reforms, highlight investment opportunities, and establish networks with policymakers and business leaders from Asia and Africa.
“Nigeria is committed to broadening its diplomatic and economic horizons, leveraging global partnerships for sustainable development, and consolidating its leadership role within Africa’s engagement with the wider world,” Tuggar said.
He said SAMEV commenced in 2014, and this year’s edition brought together 14 ministers and deputy ministers from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The delegation was hosted to lunch by Dr Balakrishnan and jointly visited Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, where discussions centred on deepening Africa–Singapore cooperation.
The visit concluded with a dinner reception hosted by Ms Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.
Alongside SAMEV, the African ministers participated in the Opening Session of the eighth ASBF, which coincided with the ministerial meetings.
The highlight of the forum was a keynote address delivered by Ghana’s President John Mahama during his concurrent State Visit to Singapore.
There was also a discussion by Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of ALN and Samaila Zubairu, President/CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, as key speakers.
The ASBF-2025 brought together over 700 business and government representatives from across 40 African countries and Asia.
It aims to strengthen ties and exchange development experiences between Singapore and African nations.
The gathering also provided a vital platform for business matchmaking, forging new partnerships and exploring pathways for sustainable growth.
