In a rapidly changing global landscape, nations must constantly reevaluate their foreign policies to safeguard their interests and enhance their international standing. For Nigeria, a country with a rich history of leadership in Africa and on the global stage, this process is no longer a matter of choice, it is a necessity.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu, under its “Renewed Hope” agenda, has seized this opportunity to rethink the nation’s foreign policy framework. The redefinition is “4D” strategy Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora an ambitious yet essential vision aimed at repositioning Nigeria for contemporary global challenges.
Nigeria’s foreign policy has been deeply rooted in its commitment to African unity and international peacekeeping. From its support for the continent’s liberation struggles to its pivotal role in peace missions around the world, Nigeria has always embraced a proactive approach to foreign affairs.
This legacy has earned the country recognition as a key player on the continent and beyond. However, as the global order evolves, Nigeria must adapt to ensure its continued relevance. The introduction of the “4D” foreign policy agenda represents a timely and strategic shift, aiming to balance Nigeria’s domestic priorities with its external objectives.
Yet, its success is contingent on how well it is implemented. To fully capitalize on these diplomatic initiatives, Nigeria must move beyond high-level agreements and ensure these engagements yield tangible benefits for the nation and its people.
In recent months, Nigeria has made significant strides in fostering international relationships, including high-profile visits by global leaders such as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These diplomatic overtures were followed by the signing of numerous agreements, reaffirming Nigeria’s potential to harness investments from emerging powers like China and India. President Tinubu himself has also undertaken diplomatic tours to Brazil, France, and South Africa, signaling Nigeria’s intent to strengthen its global profile.
However, the true test of this renewed foreign policy will not lie in the diplomatic meetings or agreements alone. For Nigeria to truly benefit, these engagements must translate into concrete investments and opportunities for its citizens. The country’s declining influence in the global arena can be traced back to years of economic mismanagement, which have forced millions of Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad.
This has resulted in a growing diaspora that, while contributing to the global economy, often faces difficult and humiliating circumstances in their host countries. To reverse this trend, Nigeria’s leadership must focus on revitalizing the domestic economy, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. The country has immense potential in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and manufacturing.
Attracting foreign investments into these industries, particularly from countries like China, India, and South Africa, Nigeria can create sustainable economic growth and provide much-needed employment opportunities for its growing population. A key element of this strategy should be the development of regional value chains, especially in agriculture. Creating agricultural commodity markets that connect surplus producers with net importers will not only reduce dependency but also open new avenues for Nigerian exports.
Moreover, by prioritising investments in critical infrastructure and addressing gaps in skills and institutional quality, Nigeria can build a foundation for long-term development. Yet, to be effective, the Tinubu administration must also recognize the harsh realities facing the Nigerian people. In 2023, approximately 63% of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, and youth unemployment remains a critical issue.
Inflation rates, especially food inflation, have reached alarming levels, exacerbating the economic struggles of the average citizen. As the Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2023) highlights, addressing these challenges requires urgent and comprehensive action on several fronts: improving education, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening governance structures.
A successful foreign policy strategy for Nigeria must go hand in hand with domestic reforms that prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people. This is not only the key to enhancing Nigeria’s global influence but also to securing a prosperous future for its citizens.
For Nigeria’s foreign policy to truly be effective, it must serve the interests of its people first and foremost. Only then can the nation confidently engage with the world, knowing that its international pursuits are aligned with the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
The success of the “4D” agenda depends on a comprehensive approach one that balances external engagement with a robust domestic strategy aimed at lifting Nigeria out of poverty and securing a better future for all. Anything less would leave the nation stranded at a crossroads between unrealized potential and stagnation.
In the coming years, as Nigeria seeks to reassert its place on the global stage, the Tinubu administration must ensure that foreign policy is not just a tool for diplomacy but a powerful means to address the pressing challenges facing the nation. Only through decisive action both at home and abroad can Nigeria reclaim its rightful place as a leader not only in Africa but also in the world.