Nigeria, March 12 -- Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East underscores why Gulf oil and gas producers should view Nigeria as a partner rather than a rival in efforts to diversify global energy supply during crises.

Mr Tuggar made the remarks in a recent interview with Reuters.

"Nigeria's untapped reserves offer Gulf states an alternative source of crude and gas at a time when global flows are vulnerable, and demand for hydrocarbons is set to remain strong for years," Reuters quoted the minister as saying.

The minister's comments come as the war in Iran continues to disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for about one-fifth of global oil supply. Th...