Foreign Affairs Ministry Briefs Diplomatic Corps on Tinubu’s Reforms, Development Gains

Foreign Affairs Ministry Briefs Diplomatic Corps on Tinubu’s Reforms and Development Gains

On November 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria convened a high-level diplomatic briefing at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, where Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, addressed members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Representing Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Ambassador Ahmed provided a comprehensive overview of the reforms and developmental strides achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly since the last diplomatic engagement held in August 2024.

The briefing emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, with Ambassador Ahmed expressing gratitude to foreign envoys for their continued partnership and engagement. He underscored the administration’s dedication to fostering mutual growth and global stability through transparent governance and strategic reforms.

Central to the presentation was the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has guided the administration’s transformative policies across economic, security, and social sectors.

Ambassador Ahmed highlighted key economic reforms, including the unification of multiple foreign exchange windows into a single market-driven rate and the removal of fuel subsidies. 

These measures, coupled with prudent fiscal and monetary policies, have contributed to the stabilization of the naira and increased investor confidence.

The removal of fuel subsidies alone has freed over ₦4 trillion annually, which is now being redirected toward social investments, infrastructure development, and education.

The government’s Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) and the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme were presented as mechanisms to cushion the short-term effects of these reforms while promoting long-term economic resilience.

In the energy sector, Nigeria’s crude oil production has surpassed 1.6 million barrels per day, a milestone attributed to improved security in oil-producing regions and renewed investor interest. 

The phased activation of the Dangote Refinery, alongside the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, is expected to significantly reduce fuel import dependence and enhance the country’s trade balance.

Ambassador Ahmed also detailed efforts to diversify the economy through tax reforms, digital expansion, and agricultural modernization. The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms aims to raise Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from under 10 percent to 18 percent by 2026. Meanwhile, sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and the creative industries continue to attract global investment.

Agricultural initiatives like the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and the development of Special Agro-Processing Zones are enhancing food security and generating employment in rural areas.

In the social domain, the implementation of the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act was highlighted as a major achievement. This legislation provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The government is also investing in vocational and technical education to address youth unemployment and equip the workforce with relevant skills.

Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. He assured the diplomatic community that the government remains focused on deepening reforms to position Nigeria as a globally competitive and resilient economy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged continued collaboration with international partners to advance shared goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.