Nigeria Maintains Neutrality in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has stated that Nigeria remains neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite offering condolences to the Russian government over a recent terrorist attack in Moscow that claimed 140 lives.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Tuggar emphasized Nigeria's historical relationship with Russia, dating back to the Soviet and Cold War eras. He highlighted Nigeria's tradition of non-alignment, stating, "Nigeria has been consistent in terms of even when we had a bipolar world, we were non-aligned, we were neither with the US nor the Soviet bloc at the time."

Tuggar stressed Nigeria's commitment to strategic autonomy, aligning with whatever polarity benefits Nigeria in the current multipolar world. He clarified that offering condolences to Russia does not indicate enmity or alignment with Russia in the conflict.

While Nigeria condemns the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity, Tuggar affirmed that Nigeria will continue to deal with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as other countries, based on the interests of Nigeria. He reiterated Nigeria's stance on condemning violations of territorial integrity while maintaining diplomatic relations with all parties involved.