Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Conundrum: A Call for Pragmatic Leadership as opined by the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa – Written by Nduka Anyanwu, SA-Media to The APGA National Chairman.
As the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa is compelled to express his deep concern about Nigeria’s foreign policy trajectory. Our nation’s ability to navigate the complex web of international relations has been hindered by a persistent clash between our regional aspirations and domestic policy proclivities.
Nigeria’s foreign policy, under the then President Buhari’s administration, was marred by series of missteps that undermined our nation’s credibility on the global stage. The ill-fated border closure with our neighboring countries, which lasted for a while was a stark reminder of the need for a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
The border closure, intended to curb smuggling and promote local agricultural development, had far-reaching consequences that negatively impacted our economy and relationships with neighboring countries. The informal sector,
which accounts for approximately 50% of GDP and 90% of employment in West Africa, was severely affected, leading
to a sharp decline in household incomes and tax revenues.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s inability to address its domestic challenges, such as insecurity and poor governance, has created an unfavorable business environment that discourages foreign investment. The oil sector, which is critical to our economy, has been plagued by declining production, vandalism, and corruption.
To get out of its own way, Nigeria needs a foreign policy that is guided by a clear understanding of our national interests and a commitment to regional integration.
We must prioritize the development of our service sector, which has the potential to drive economic growth and create jobs the APGA National Chairman emphasizes Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu is undergoing a significant transformation.
The president has embarked on high-powered international engagements, seeking and sealing bilateral and multilateral partnerships with countries like China, Russia, France, the United States, and South Korea. These partnerships are expected to boost Nigeria’s economic growth, improve its defense and security relations, and promote renewable energy. However, despite these efforts, Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and poverty. The removal of fuel subsidies, for example, has contributed to inflation surging to 34.19 percent, with food inflation exceeding 40 percent. The government’s measures to cushion the impact of these policies have been criticized for being insufficient and temporary.
To improve Nigeria’s international reputation, the government must prioritize transparency, public engagement, and human rights. This includes designing rights-driven and people-centered policies, ensuring that human rights guide the formulation and implementation of significant policy changes. By doing so, Nigeria can rebuild trust with its citizens and the international community,
ultimately improving its international reputation. It is imperative as re-emphasized that our leaders present a clear and coherent foreign policy agenda that addresses our domestic and external challenges. We need the president to
navigate the complexities of international relations, promote our national interests, and foster a more collaborative and inclusive approach to foreign policy.
The time for rhetoric is over; we need pragmatic leadership that can deliver results.
As the APGA National Chairman, he urges all Nigerians to demand more from our leaders and to hold them accountable for their actions. Only then can we hope to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come
