Sir: The new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces numerous challenges in restoring the country’s foreign policy and strengthening its engagement with West Africa. The previous administration, under Muhammadu Buhari, often neglected foreign policy in favour of domestic issues. However, the new president must recognize the importance of both domestic and international affairs, as they are interconnected.
To begin with, Nigeria needs a stable and prosperous economy to project credibility and influence on the international stage. It is essential to strike a balance between domestic economic growth and foreign policy objectives. In this regard, visionary leadership that combines technocratic expertise with a strategic focus on Nigeria’s standing in the global community is crucial.
Nigeria has historically played a prominent role in African international relations. During the Cold War era, the country embraced a non-aligned principle and sought to steer regional and continental growth. However, the aspirations of becoming a major black power and an industrial powerhouse were not fully realized. The current administration must work towards reigniting these ambitions by revitalizing economic growth, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and diversifying Nigeria’s export base beyond raw materials.
The decline in FDI and export value underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as insecurity, corruption, theft, and vandalism that have hampered Nigeria’s production capacity. By tackling these issues, Nigeria can regain investor confidence, increase export volumes, and expand its economic capabilities.
While addressing domestic issues is crucial, the new administration must also recognize the impact of regional stability on the country’s interests. Nigeria’s stability and prosperity are closely linked to that of West Africa. As such, foreign policy should prioritize regional cooperation, peace, and development.
To achieve this, the new administration should focus on the following key areas:
Common Defence Policy: The president should rally West African leaders to develop a common defence policy to address insecurity and terrorism in the region. This would involve collaborative efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint military operations to combat threats effectively.
Active Participation in Peacekeeping: Nigeria, as the longest-serving member of ECOWAS and the AU Peace and Security Council, should play a more active role in peacekeeping initiatives. By contributing troops and resources to regional peacekeeping missions, Nigeria can help stabilize conflict-prone areas and enhance regional security.
Regional Integration: Efforts should be made to foster regional integration through cultural education and people-to-people interactions. Promoting cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and cross-border collaborations will contribute to a sense of unity and shared identity among West African nations.
Diplomatic Engagement: The president should engage in diplomatic initiatives at regional and continental levels. By participating actively in ECOWAS and AU forums, Nigeria can shape regional policies, advocate for African interests on the global stage, and foster mutually beneficial relationships with other nations.
Restoring Nigerian foreign policy and strengthening engagement with West Africa requires a multifaceted approach. The new administration under President Tinubu must strike a balance between domestic economic growth and foreign policy objectives. By prioritizing regional cooperation, peace, and development, Nigeria can contribute to the stability and prosperity of West Africa, which in turn will benefit Nigeria’s own domestic and international interests. It is through visionary leadership, robust diplomatic engagement, and strategic partnerships that Nigeria can regain its position as a key player in African international relations.
- Akinola Ayobami Steven, <akinolaa61@gmail.com>