The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening partnership with Singapore.

The minister said this would enhance sustainable development and consolidate Nigeria’s leadership role within Africa and engagement globally, according to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Mr Abdulkadir said Mr Tuggar’s reaffirmation follows the Fifth Singapore–Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV) held from August 26 to 28.

It was organised by Enterprise Singapore, the government agency responsible for enterprise development and global market access in Singapore.

The SAMEV, with the theme: “Progressing Together towards a Sustainable Future,” hosted by Balakrishnan, is a biennial platform.

Mr Tuggar said one of the most significant outcomes for Nigeria was the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), known as Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Nigeria and Singapore.

According to him, the agreement provides a legal framework to encourage and safeguard investments between the two countries and strengthen Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination, while offering protection for Singaporean investors.

Mr Tuggar said, “It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy drive to attract foreign direct investment and build global economic partnerships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“For Nigeria, SAMEV and Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) 2025 underscored the importance of multilateral and bilateral engagement in advancing national priorities.”

He said that beyond the formal agreements, the platforms created avenues for Nigeria to showcase its economic reforms, highlight investment opportunities, build networks with policymakers and business leaders from Asia and Africa.

“Nigeria is committed to broadening its diplomatic and economic horizons, leveraging global partnerships for sustainable development, and consolidating its leadership role within Africa’s engagement with the wider world,” Mr Tuggar said.

He said SAMEV commenced in 2014, and this year’s edition brought together 14 ministers and deputy ministers from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The delegation was hosted to lunch by Balakrishnan and jointly visited Singapore’s prime minister and minister for finance, Lawrence Wong, where discussions centered on deepening Africa–Singapore cooperation.

The visit concluded with a dinner reception hosted by Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.

Alongside SAMEV, the African ministers participated in the Opening Session of the eighth ASBF, which coincided with the ministerial meetings.

The high point of the forum was a keynote address delivered by Ghana’s President John Mahama, during his concurrent state visit to Singapore.

There was also a discussion by Gbenga Oyebode, chairman of ALN and Samaila Zubairu, president/CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, as key speakers.

The ASBF-2025 brought together not less than 700 business and government representatives from across 40 African countries and Asia.

(NAN)