FG calls for global reforms at G20 Summit

Yusuf  Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called for urgent global reforms to foster economic equity, peace, and security at the ongoing G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.

Tuggar congratulated South Africa on taking over the G20 Presidency and pledged Nigeria’s full support for its priorities, which include disaster resilience, debt sustainability, a just energy transition, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth.

According to a statement from his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar urged the G20 to take stronger action in addressing global conflicts and humanitarian crises.

He advocated for enhanced mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution, increased humanitarian aid, and greater backing for African-led peace initiatives.

The minister also stressed the need for a more comprehensive strategy in combating terrorism, one that goes beyond security measures to include socio-economic development.

He highlighted investments in education, healthcare, and job creation as essential to tackling the root causes of extremism.

Tuggar used the platform to reiterate Nigeria’s longstanding call for reforms in multilateral institutions, arguing that the current global system fails to reflect the realities and needs of developing nations.

He particularly emphasized the importance of tax justice, calling on the G20 to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to curb capital flight and tax evasion by multinational corporations.

Raising further concerns about illicit financial flows (IFFs), which siphon billions of dollars from Africa annually through corruption and illegal trade, Tuggar called for greater transparency in global financial transactions. He urged the G20 to enforce stricter regulations on tax havens and promote stronger international cooperation to help recover stolen assets.

Tuggar appealed to G20 leaders to let solidarity, equity, and sustainability guide their decisions, emphasizing the need to create a fairer and more inclusive global system. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working alongside international partners to ensure that no nation is left behind.