UYO, Nigeria — The Federal Government has charged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to West African countries to prioritise democratic stability, regional security, and economic diplomacy as key pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the directive on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at a strategic retreat for Nigeria’s envoys-designate to West Africa, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
She described the diplomats’ postings as “strategic deployments to the frontline of national interest,” noting that they are assuming duty at a turbulent period marked by democratic backsliding, insecurity, and geopolitical shifts across the sub-region.
“Our foreign policy must deliver peace, security, and economic prosperity for the region,” she said, stressing that West Africa remains a non-negotiable priority in Nigeria’s concentric foreign policy framework.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in the region, urging the envoys to actively promote democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights in their host countries.
She also highlighted terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes as major threats undermining regional stability and economic progress, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and cross-border security cooperation.
On economic diplomacy, the minister tasked the diplomats to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS trade frameworks to boost intra-African trade, dismantle non-tariff barriers, and promote Nigerian businesses and innovation.
“The economic potential of our region remains immense. Your mission is to bridge the gap between challenges and opportunities,” she stated.
She further emphasised citizen diplomacy, directing the envoys to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians living across West Africa, while transforming embassies into efficient service centres.
In his welcome remarks, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining leadership in West Africa, noting that developments within the sub-region directly impact the country’s security and socio-economic stability.
He explained that the retreat was designed to deepen the envoys’ understanding of Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting peace, economic integration, and democratic governance within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Enikanolaiye acknowledged emerging challenges, including terrorism in the Sahel, proliferation of arms, and the withdrawal of some member states from ECOWAS, describing the retreat as a “launching pad for a revitalised, proactive, and result-oriented engagement” with neighbouring countries.
He also underscored the Tinubu administration’s 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine—Demography, Development, Democracy, and Diaspora—as the guiding framework for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
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The one-day retreat follows an earlier induction programme held in Abuja and is aimed at equipping the envoys with the tools required to advance Nigeria’s interests and strengthen its leadership role in West Africa.
Both ministers expressed optimism that the retreat would enhance the diplomats’ capacity to effectively represent Nigeria and drive its vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West African region.
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