Nigeria has called for deeper strategic cooperation between Africa and South Korea in addressing climate change, security challenges, healthcare development, and global governance reforms.
Speaking at the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stressed that many of the world’s pressing challenges require collective responsibility and stronger international partnerships.
The meeting, attended by about 50 ministers from African countries, was convened as a follow-up to the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit hosted by the South Korean government in 2024.
Tuggar noted that global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and conflicts transcend national borders and demand coordinated responses.
“Climate change does not respect borders. Pandemics do not require visas. Conflict in one region disrupts supply chains in another,” he said.
The minister highlighted Africa’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than four per cent of global carbon emissions. He pointed to the rapid shrinking of the Lake Chad Basin, worsening desertification across the Sahel region, and rising sea levels threatening major coastal cities including Lagos and Dakar.
To address these challenges, Nigeria proposed the establishment of a Korea-Africa Green Energy Alliance aimed at combining South Korean technology with Africa’s vast natural resources to accelerate clean energy development across the continent.
On peace and security, Tuggar expressed concern over growing insecurity in Africa, including terrorism in the Sahel, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and unconstitutional changes of government. He warned that these challenges have implications beyond the continent and require stronger international cooperation.
While commending South Korea’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, he called for enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, maritime security, military training, and support for African-led peace operations.
The minister also underscored the importance of global health cooperation, noting that Africa currently imports about 99 per cent of its vaccines and 95 per cent of its medicines.
He welcomed South Korea’s K-Bio initiative and proposed the creation of a Korea-Africa Health Security Compact to support the development of regional vaccine manufacturing hubs in Africa through technology transfer and capacity building.
Nigeria further advocated reforms of global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, to ensure greater African representation in decision-making processes.
Tuggar thanked South Korea for supporting Africa’s inclusion in global institutions and urged Seoul to translate its support into concrete actions during upcoming reform negotiations.
“Nigeria does not come to this meeting seeking charity but genuine partnership,” he said, describing South Korea’s economic transformation as a source of inspiration for African countries pursuing sustainable development.
During a separate meeting with selected African foreign ministers, South Korean President, Lee Jae-myung, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development.
Drawing parallels between South Korea’s history and the experiences of many African nations, Lee noted that his country emerged from colonial rule and overcame significant economic challenges to become one of the world’s leading economies.
“The Republic of Korea, too, is a country that was liberated from colonial rule after World War II, and after going through difficult times, has come to where it is today,” the president said.
“I hope we can share that experience together and engage in in-depth discussions about what the Republic of Korea can do together with your countries and what support we can provide.”
The meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and African nations across key sectors, including renewable energy, healthcare, trade, security, and sustainable development.