Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has sharply criticized the international system, arguing that global institutions—especially the United Nations—are increasingly failing to address the urgent needs of countries in Africa. Speaking at Chatham House during a discussion on “Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy and global aspirations,” Tuggar highlighted persistent conflicts in Sudan, eastern Congo, and the Sahel, asserting that the UN is barely managing humanitarian support, let alone providing lasting solutions.
Tuggar questioned the viability of multilateralism by pointing out that the current rules-based international order seems ill-equipped to resolve conflicts that threaten peace in regions critical to global stability. “The existential threat to multilateralism and the rules-based international order—is it really as new as it might seem? Consider the wars in Sudan, eastern Congo, the Sahel and beyond,” he remarked.
He also criticized the unequal global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that developing nations were disproportionately affected due to unequal access to vaccines and essential resources. Tuggar called for a reform of the global financial architecture, citing issues like the Basel IV regulations and unequal market access, which continue to hinder Africa’s development.
Tuggar concluded by urging global leaders to adapt international systems, agencies, and rules so they better serve the complex and changing needs of developing nations. “We now need to find new ways to make them relevant to a complex and changing world,” he said, underscoring the urgent need for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global governance.
