Nigeria and Kuwait: A New Era of Bilateral Cooperation
By Umar Farouk Bala
Nigeria is taking bold steps to deepen its diplomatic and economic ties with Kuwait, as demonstrated by the recent working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to the Gulf nation. The visit, which took place from February 5th to 8th, 2025, marked a historic milestone—the first official visit by a Nigerian Foreign Minister to Kuwait since the establishment of diplomatic relations 55 years ago on January 31st, 1970.
This landmark visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening South-South Cooperation, a strategic framework aimed at fostering collaboration among developing nations to counterbalance the economic and technological dominance of the Global North. Ambassador Tuggar’s engagements in Kuwait not only reinforced bilateral ties but also opened new avenues for economic, trade, and technological partnerships.
During his visit, Ambassador Tuggar held high-level discussions with his Kuwaiti counterpart, H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, and other senior officials. The visit culminated in the signing of several bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which are expected to serve as a foundation for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
Key agreements included: Joint Commission for Cooperation, Bilateral Consultations MoU and Diplomatic Training Cooperation MoU.
Ambassador Tuggar also met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, and paid a courtesy call on His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. These meetings highlighted the mutual commitment to deepening ties and exploring new areas of collaboration.
A significant focus of the visit was on advancing economic and investment cooperation. Ambassador Tuggar met with Kuwait’s Minister of Petroleum, Tariq Suleiman Al-Roumi, and Waleed Al-Bahar, the Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). These discussions centered on potential partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and development financing.
Additionally, the Minister participated in a business luncheon hosted by Kuwaiti authorities, where he engaged with leading business figures and investors. The event provided a platform to showcase Nigeria’s investment potential and explore opportunities for private sector collaboration.
Ambassador Tuggar’s visit to Kuwait is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to bolster South-South Cooperation. In January 2025, he visited Cairo, Egypt, where he participated in the third round of political consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The two leaders agreed to elevate Nigeria-Egypt relations to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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These efforts align with the growing recognition of South-South Cooperation as a vital mechanism for addressing the economic disparities between the Global North and South. Countries in the Northern Hemisphere, such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada, have long held economic and technological superiority. In contrast, many nations in the Global South face systemic challenges, including weak infrastructure, limited technological capacity, and burdensome debt obligations.
The uneven nature of globalization has exacerbated these disparities. While technological advancements and economic integration have driven growth in the Global North, many developing nations have been left behind. Historical colonial influences, poor governance, and unfavorable trade policies have further marginalized countries in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
The dominance of international financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and WTO—largely influenced by the Global North—has limited the policy choices of developing nations. This has created a stark “North-South” divide, with industrialized nations continuing to wield economic and technological dominance while the Global South struggles to integrate into the global economy.
South-South Cooperation offers a pathway to address these challenges by promoting trade, investment, and technological exchange among developing nations. Key areas of focus include: Economic Integration, Technological Advancements and Policy Coordination.
However, significant challenges remain. Developing countries often lack control over advanced manufacturing, ICT, and military technology, which limits their ability to compete globally. The digital revolution, while transformative, has further widened the gap between the North and South, leaving many nations struggling to keep pace.
To bridge this gap, developing nations must strengthen their collective voice on global platforms. Institutions such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) can play a crucial role in advocating for fairer economic policies.
Bilateral and regional collaborations, such as those fostered through Ambassador Tuggar’s diplomatic efforts in Kuwait and Egypt, represent significant steps toward a more balanced global economic order. By increasing trade, investment, and policy coordination, developing nations can build economic resilience and take charge of their own growth and development.
Ambassador Tuggar’s visit to Kuwait marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen South-South Cooperation. By forging new partnerships and reinforcing existing ties, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the Global South’s quest for economic independence and sustainable development.
As the world grapples with the challenges of globalization, South-South Cooperation offers a beacon of hope for developing nations. Through collective action and mutual support, the Global South can overcome its systemic challenges and chart a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future.
Umar Farouk Bala is a Corps Member at the PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. Email: [email protected]
