Nigeria Urges Gulf States to Partner Amid Iran Conflict and Energy Supply Risks

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, urged Gulf oil and gas producers to see Nigeria as a partner rather than a rival, citing the ongoing conflict in Iran and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, has called on Gulf oil and gas producers to view Nigeria as a strategic partner rather than a competitor, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking to Reuters, Tuggar emphasized that the current war in Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz oil production. Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the country’s total output has risen from approximately 1.4 million barrels per day to about 1.7 million barrels per day. Tuggar added that further growth is possible with new capital investment in oil fields and pipelines, which would not only enhance Nigeria’s production capacity but also make it a more reliable partner for Gulf and global energy markets.
Some analysts have suggested that the current strikes by United States and Israel on Iran, as well as Tehran’s retaliatory actions against Gulf states, could make investors wary of committing resources to Africa. However, Tuggar argued that the opposite could also be true. The ongoing conflict might encourage Gulf countries and other international investors to work with countries like Nigeria, which is rich in oil and gas, to diversify their market share and reduce dependence on any single region for energy supplies. “It could make them want to work with countries like Nigeria that are rich in gas and oil … to diversify market share for the benefit of both countries, or they could hold back,” he explained.
In addition to these efforts, Nigeria has been strengthening formal economic and energy partnerships with Gulf nations. In January, the country signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, a deal that Abuja says is expected to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities. Moreover, investors linked to Qatar have announced plans to invest in Nigeria’s gas sector, although the specific timelines for these projects remain unclear. These agreements and investments are seen as critical steps in positioning Nigeria as a strategic partner for energy-hungry regions facing supply disruptions.
Tuggar also highlighted the global context for energy collaboration, noting that the world currently consumes around 105 to 106 million barrels of oil per day, a level he expects to remain stable for the foreseeable future. He emphasized that close cooperation between oil-producing nations is essential to ensuring there are adequate hydrocarbons to meet global demand and prevent future supply crises. By advocating for partnerships with Gulf producers, Tuggar underlined Nigeria’s ambition to play a central role in stabilizing energy supplies and leveraging its oil and gas resources for mutual benefit in the international market.