Diplomacy

Nigeria’s foreign policy faces key challenges including inconsistency and lack of strategic focus, limitations in economic diplomacy, and difficulties in asserting regional leadership. These issues stem from frequent policy shifts with changing administrations, struggles in promoting economic interests and attracting foreign investment due to concerns about the business environment, and our nation’s limited effectiveness in leveraging our status as Africa’s most populous country for regional influence.

Addressing these complex challenges requires a more nuanced, stable, and strategically driven approach in the international arena. My foreign policy agenda would be multi-faceted, reflecting our domestic priorities, regional leadership role, and aspirations on the global stage. Here are several key areas we will develop and implement:

Implement Economic Diplomacy:

1. My administration will strengthen trade relations to boost exports, particularly diversifying beyond oil.
2. Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
3. Align foreign aid and international collaborations with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
4. Engage with multilateral institutions for development financing and partnerships.

Ensure Regional Stability and Security:

1. My administration will lead and participate in regional efforts to combat terrorism and address security challenges everywhere, including in our own nation.
2. Support peacekeeping and conflict resolution initiatives in West Africa and will not rush to war with our neighbors. Rather, we will strengthen ties with neighboring countries to manage borders effectively against transnational threats.

Participate in International Cooperation Policy:

1. Under my leadership, Nigeria will actively participate in the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, advocating for reforms and policies that reflect Nigeria’s and Africa’s interests.
2. We will take a front seat in combating climate change and contribute to global discussions on climate change, aiming for support in managing environmental challenges like fossil fuel flaring, desertification and coastal erosion.

Engage in Counter-Terrorism Collaboration:

1. My administration will forge strategic alliances for intelligence sharing, military training, and counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria and the African subregion.

Actively Participate in Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness:

1. We will engage in international health initiatives and contribute to global health security.

Engage Nigerians in the Diaspora:

1. My administration will leverage the Nigerian diaspora for investment, skills transfer, and cultural diplomacy.
2. Above all, we will protect the interests and welfare of Nigerians abroad.