Nigeria Seeks Japan’s Cooperation in Tackling Security Challenges in Africa
Tokyo, Japan, August 25, 2024 — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for enhanced cooperation between Japan and Africa to address the continent’s escalating security challenges. Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which took place from August 24th to 25th, 2024, in Tokyo, Amb. Tuggar underscored the detrimental impact of security threats on Africa’s development and urged Japan to take a proactive role in tackling these issues.
During his address, Amb. Tuggar highlighted the increasing complexity of security threats facing Africa, particularly terrorism and transnational organized crimes. He emphasized that these challenges are destabilizing the continent’s peace and security, undermining efforts to promote democracy and good governance, and deterring foreign direct investment, which is crucial for Africa’s economic growth.
“Africa’s security landscape is increasingly marked by complex threats, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the presence of foreign mercenaries, and the impact of climate change,” said Amb. Tuggar. He expressed concern over the availability of safe havens that facilitate illicit financial flows, estimating that Africa loses approximately $88.6 billion annually to such activities, equivalent to 3% of the continent’s GDP.
The Minister also raised alarm over the activities of cryptocurrency pirates, who he claimed are undermining macroeconomic reforms by destabilizing local currencies. He linked these external factors to the recent wave of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs) in several African nations, further compounding the continent’s security and governance challenges.
Amb. Tuggar acknowledged the apparent decline in Japanese investment in Africa, attributing it partly to the prevailing security issues. However, he urged Japan not to retreat but to collaborate with African leaders and other development partners in addressing these challenges. He specifically called for increased support to resolve the security crises in critical regions such as the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes, the Sahel, as well as in countries like Sudan and Somalia.
Looking ahead to the TICAD 9 Summit, Amb. Tuggar proposed that the focus should be on strategic infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, capacity building, and technology transfer. He emphasized the importance of fostering indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation while advocating for the progressive empowerment of women and youth across Africa.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister called on Japan to support Africa’s longstanding demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council. He argued that Africa deserves two permanent seats and equitable representation in the Security Council, as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Amb. Tuggar described this reform as ethically just and a necessary step toward rectifying historical injustices.
The Minister’s appeal reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to securing sustainable development in Africa through international cooperation and strategic partnerships, as the continent grapples with the intertwined challenges of security, governance, and economic growth.
