President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a recalibrated foreign policy direction while tasking Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to prioritise investment attraction, strategic partnerships, and a stronger global image for the country.
The President gave the charge on Monday at the opening of an induction course for the envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, stressing the need for a proactive and results-driven diplomatic corps.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the envoys’ appointments reflect the administration’s confidence in their ability to effectively promote Nigeria’s interests abroad.
He noted that the global landscape is rapidly evolving due to shifting geopolitical alignments, economic volatility, technological disruptions, climate change, and emerging security threats—factors that demand a more dynamic diplomatic approach.
“The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” the President said.
Tinubu urged the envoys to adopt modern diplomacy tools, blending traditional engagement with digital platforms, public diplomacy, and strategic communication. He emphasised the need to present Nigeria’s story in a compelling and credible manner while showcasing the gains of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also called for innovation in fostering international partnerships, boosting trade relations, and attracting foreign direct investment and advanced technology into the country. The welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, he added, must remain a central priority of diplomatic missions.
In a significant policy shift, the President announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine. Previously anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, the priorities have now been rearranged to Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy.
According to Tinubu, the adjustment is designed to place Nigerians at the centre of foreign policy, ensuring that international engagements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
“This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit,” he said.
The President further stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity, and patriotism in diplomatic service, reminding the envoys of their role as custodians of Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
He urged diplomatic missions to operate with accountability, focusing on measurable outcomes that contribute to economic growth and national development.
Tinubu also encouraged the envoys to maximise the induction programme, describing it as critical to equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to navigate modern diplomacy.
He commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nominees and urged the envoys to justify the confidence placed in them.
“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” the President added.
