NPSA Urges Recalibration Of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has called for a strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The step, according to the association, is imperative for Nigeria “to restore its influence and independence, inspired by the country’s true national interest in revitalising its international image and influence, thereby motivating policymakers to pursue meaningful reforms.”
The association made the recommendation in a statement by its President, Prof. Hassan Saliu.
NPSA noted that a review of the country’s foreign policy in recent years revealed five disturbing developments that contrast sharply with the image Nigeria projected in the 1970s under the Murtala Muhammed/Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.
It listed the issues to include ECOWAS fragmentation, weak agreements,debt resurgence, security dependence and low level of citizens’ involvement.
It therefore called for the reworking of the country ‘s foreign policy objectives, saying that the step is necessary to make them measurable and achievable, as current goals are mired in idealism, thereby improving clarity and accountability in Nigeria’s international efforts.
It added that reassessing Nigeria’s location in the international system is crucial before making policy choices, as it provides a realistic basis for selecting effective instruments to restore Nigeria’s stature and influence.
NPSA added: ” Make foreign policy a campaign issue: For now, foreign policy is not an electoral issue. This attitude must change, or Major General Joe Garba’s observation on Nigeria’s lack of seriousness with foreign policy will become permanent.
“Clarify national interest: Despite polemics around the concept, Nigeria must address the lack of clarity in its national interest to guide external relations.
“Enforce due diligence in ambassadorial appointments: Declining capacity has been observed on the part of the country’s ambassadors due to excessive politics in the process. An ambassador represents Nigeria’s sovereignty. The rejection rate of current ambassadors-designate underscores the need for due diligence.
“Fund diplomacy adequately: External relations are an expensive enterprise. Nigerian ambassadors operating on shoestring budgets breed the disaffection Nigerians abroad have with many of the country’s embassies”.
