FG unveils foreign policy to ‘strengthen democracy, boost development’

The federal government has unveiled the new foreign policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the new policies are anchored on a four-leg strategic pillar targeted at strengthening democracy and bolstering development, demography and diaspora affairs, also known as 4Ds.

According to the statement, Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, who spoke at the launch of the policies, said the framework provides a dynamic and unique concept that showcases “Nigeria’s history and diplomatic engagements”.

While highlighting the 4Ds, Tuggar said Nigeria’s development depends on a new line of vision which prompted the design of the policies.

“Democracy has come to stay as the universally accepted form of governance that guarantees freedom, human rights, and the rule of law,” the minister said.

“However, within the ambit of democracy comes the burden of ensuring its viability and functionality to embrace divergent interests, and ensuring that democratic institutions are strengthened to serve the collective interests of the people.

“Being the largest democracy on the continent, the President’s keen interest in democracy, as one of the 4Ds, is underscored by the opportunities that come with it, as well as the challenges that confront it, namely in places where we are now witnessing recourse to the unconstitutional change of government.

“For us as a country, democracy is what we have and what we must cherish. We will continue to encourage this both in Africa and across the world.”

On development, Tuggar said plans are underway to end the continuous cycle of dependency that stunts the country’s socio-economic growth.

“We intend to, among others, leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) to facilitate the exchange of goods and services while fast-track trade and investments, through economic cooperation, fair trade, global health initiatives, stable and transparent global governance, building capacity for entrenching sustainable socio-economic development,” he said.

“We also intend to engage with the need for the reform of international financial institutions to make them fit for purpose for the benefit of all, ensuring that no one is left behind. We will continue to emphasise that the world is as strong as its weakest link.”

Speaking further, the minister said the administration would harness the country’s vast human capital.

He assured that “our foreign policy and diplomatic engagements will be used to showcase the vibrant young talents and skills that our young population possesses for national development”.

Tuggar also acknowledged the role of the diaspora in the development of the nation and described them as “great ambassadors of this great nation”.

“Notably, the remittances of Nigerians living in the diaspora have become a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” he added.

The minister said a well-structured diaspora community will continue to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s imaging and a source for direct investment, given their expertise in different fields of endeavour.