FG reiterates commitment to interest-driven foreign policy

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to a foreign policy anchored on Nigeria’s national interest, strategic autonomy, reciprocity and partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with heads of diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

She said Nigeria remained committed to constructive engagement with the international community while ensuring that its external relations served the country’s strategic interests.

According to her, Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on the Four Ds of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, with economic diplomacy occupying a central place in the country’s international engagement.

The minister said the policy was designed to harness Nigeria’s large and youthful population through education, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, while strengthening the country’s economic relationships with other nations.

She stressed that Nigeria would continue to maintain strong relations with its neighbours, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the wider African continent, while engaging constructively with countries and institutions beyond Africa.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s partnerships would be guided by national interest, mutual respect, reciprocity and its international obligations.

“Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation; it means preserving Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine the relationships and positions that best serve our people,” she said.

The minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working to revive inactive Joint Commissions and Bi-National Commissions with other countries.

She said the platforms would be used to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, security, education, technology, health and agriculture.

She further reminded members of the diplomatic corps that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained the official channel of communication between diplomatic missions and the Nigerian Government.

She urged foreign missions to route official communications and requests through the ministry to ensure proper coordination and follow-up.

“The Ministry is not an obstacle between you and the Nigerian Government; we are your bridge to the Nigerian Government,” she said.

The minister assured members of the diplomatic corps that the safety and welfare of diplomats, their families and diplomatic premises remained a priority for the Federal Government.

She added that Nigeria would continue to support dialogue, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes while strengthening its engagement with ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other international institutions.

The minister’s remarks come as the Federal Government continues to emphasise strategic autonomy and economic diplomacy as key elements of Nigeria’s renewed foreign policy direction.