April 2025

The emergence of the Trump administration has significantly reinforced the blockade on Cuba, leading to increased hardship for the country, according to Ana Flavia, Deputy Ambassador of Cuba in Nigeria.

She stated this while playing host to a delegation from Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), led by its Chairman, Idehai Frederick in Abuja.

“We have a very difficult situation,” Flavia acknowledged, emphasizing the challenges posed by the current global situation. Despite these challenges, the Cuban Embassy in Abuja remains committed to fostering a strong relationship with Nigeria, particularly in areas such as education and culture.

The embassy has been working to increase cooperation and economic relations between the two countries. “Nigeria is a very strong country, and we need help from everywhere in the world to survive this complicated situation,” Flavia explained.

Educational exchange is a key area of focus, with the Minister of State for Education recently attending an international conference in Cuba. The Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs has also met with important figures in Nigeria.

Despite financial constraints, the embassy is exploring alternative arrangements to support journalists and students who wish to travel to Cuba. “Sometimes we arrange for another person to give monetary support for people to travel,” Flavia said.

The embassy is eager to maintain open communication with Nigerian journalists and organizations. “We are very happy to be in contact with you… we need the press support, and we will be very happy to have you here,” Flavia emphasized.

While introducing DICAN to his host, Idehai stressed that the partnership will not only help in highlighting Cuba’s policy drive in Nigeria but also enhance cultural exchange and diplomatic correspondence between Nigeria and Cuba.

“We will provide your country with the needed support in the area of quality and credible reportage for the sake of humanity,” Idehai said.

He said the role of media in promoting democracy, good governance and bilateral relationships cannot be overemphasized.

“As a frontline media houses, assigned to cover the diplomatic community by our individual organisation understand the importance of good governance, democracy as well as  international politics of supremacy among nations.”

The visit also touched on the upcoming DICAN Diplomatic/ Security International Conference, where stakeholders in the diplomatic, security, intelligence and media on June 19, 2025 will converge on Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to brainstorm on how to make the world a better and safer place. 

“We want to enhance bilateral relationships through our engagement and agenda setting. “When governments across the nations of the world know that journalists are interested in monitoring their programmes, they wake up and address their challenges,” he said.

The Federal Government has made a strong commitment to ensure that no Nigerian citizen will face humiliation abroad again.

This assurance was given yesterday, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja.

In his address titled, “From Passive to Active Global Engagement Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership,” Tuggar discussed various initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, enhancing national pride, and boosting confidence in the Nigerian passport.

He also highlighted efforts in economic diplomacy, strategic global alliances, and enhancing national security.

According to Tuggar, the Ministry has made significant strides in foreign policy, which has positively impacted the perception of the Nigerian passport.

He noted that Nigeria has established diplomatic ties with Bahrain and is collaborating with Brazil on fertilizer production, hybrid seed development, and agricultural financing, amounting to $2.5 billion.

On Nigeria’s relationship with Canada, Tuggar mentioned efforts to expand entrepreneurship and experiential learning in Nigerian schools through Carleton University, as well as strengthening trade ties via the Sprott School of Business.

The Minister also reported deepened ties with China, including pledges for security, finance, and economic growth. He stated that both countries are working towards tariff removal to balance trade and have reached agreements on peanut exports and financing railway projects.

Tuggar announced that Nigeria has signed agreements for new projects and investments worth $4 billion with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and established bilateral agreements with Equatorial Guinea for the construction of the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project.

Additionally, Nigeria has elevated its partnership with Egypt to a comprehensive level, including agreements with EgyptAir to upgrade their fleet.

Regarding France, Tuggar highlighted a business cooperation agreement with UBA Group for full banking operations and a €600 million MOU for digital and creative industries. He also mentioned a signed MOU with Germany on solid minerals exploration, securing a $2 billion investment for the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project.

The Minister revealed that Nigeria has secured $14 billion in investment commitments from Indian investors across various sectors and signed MOUs with Kuwait to deepen cooperation. The Netherlands facilitated a €250 million investment to enhance existing businesses in Nigeria.

In collaboration with Qatar, Nigeria established a Joint Business Council to enhance trade partnerships and economic growth, signing seven MOUs to strengthen ties, particularly in education.

To bolster national and regional security, Tuggar noted that Russia has offered support, equipment, and training for Nigerian military personnel, along with a $500 million gas field licensing collaboration.

He also highlighted the signing of two MOUs with Saudi Arabia, which have significant economic implications for Nigeria, including a pact to boost the $7.7 trillion Halal Economy. Additionally, Tuggar announced that the United States facilitated the repatriation of $52.8 million to Nigeria and emphasized the existence of the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement.

The Minister disclosed that Nigeria has successfully secured the release of some citizens detained abroad, evacuated African students from Ukraine, supported Palestinian children affected by conflict, initiated the return of the Benin Bronzes, and deployed 213 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Tuggar also noted improvements in consular support efficiency, with the launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Database, which now exceeds 11,000 registrations. “This database strengthens engagement with the diaspora community,” he added.

At the beginning of the briefing, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to uphold press freedom and create a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria.

He stated, “This administration believes that a free and responsible press is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.”

Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s dedication to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians and encouraging constructive criticism and healthy opposition as vital components of a robust democratic framework.

South Africa has expressed disappointment over the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, calling for respect and diplomatic courtesy between the two nations.

The move came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbors hatred toward former President Donald Trump. The South African presidency released a statement, describing the expulsion as unfortunate and urging all parties to uphold proper diplomatic conduct.

South Africa emphasized its commitment to strengthening ties with the US despite the incident. However, this expulsion has added fuel to the growing tensions between the two countries.

Bangladesh Seeks to Strengthen Economic Ties with Nigeria

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Masudur Rahman, has expressed his country’s desire to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria. Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), Rahman highlighted the potential for trade and investment between the two countries. “We produce everything in industry, garments, any item textile, any item apparels, fashion products, including knitwear inside woven wear, including winter clothes,” Rahman said. “We are world beaters in denim pants, denim pants, gabaddon pants, jeans pants, and they are in high demand globally.”

Rahman noted that Bangladesh is a major producer of textiles and garments, and that the country’s products are exported to many parts of the world. He expressed his desire to see Nigerian businesses take advantage of the opportunities available in Bangladesh.

“Trade is increasing… Some governors, former politician turned businessman going to Bangladesh to do these things,” Rahman said. “We are making beautiful footwear, and our Apex tannery is world-class with an effluent treatment plant.”

The High Commissioner also highlighted the potential for educational cooperation between the two countries. “We are thinking to give a scholarship to Nigeria… I am trying to promote education tie-ups,” he said. “We already give scholarships to African students from countries like Gambia.”