The Nigerian Government has officially unveiled a new foreign policy tagged as “4D Foreign Policy” thrust.
The country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, who officially launched the “4D foreign policy” on Monday in Abuja, explained that the “4D foreign policy” provides a dynamic and new concept, which is anchored on democracy, development, demography and diaspora.
Amb. Tuggar also officially launched an exhibition which, according to him, signposts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new foreign policy document and showcases Nigeria’s history and diplomatic engagements.
The exhibition presents a unique ambiance crystallizing the cultural heritable values and aspirations of the people of Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, a people bound by common history and diverse cultures, yet united for development peace progress and prosperity.
“President Tinubu is committed to entrenching and consolidating democratic gains made since the return to civil rule in Nigeria in 1999 and will also encourage this in the entire Africa.
Nigeria and indeed Africa’s development depends increasingly on a new line of vision, which has been well articulated in Mr. President’s new foreign policy concept.
Democracy has come to stay as the universally accepted form of governance that guarantees freedom, human rights and the rule of law. And Nigeria is keen on strengthening democracy in Africa and the world at large.
Despite its challenges, democracy must be upheld by the people as the best form of government to champion the will of the people.
Mr. President is very clear about the need to further entrench and further consolidate democratic gains made since the return to civil rule in 1999. We will continue to encourage this both in Africa and the world,” Amb. Tuggar said.
The Second “D”
Speaking about the second “D”, Amb. Tuggar underscored the need for the removal of major impediments to development in Nigeria and the African continent, stressing that the current cycle of dependency does not favour the socio-economic growth in Africa.
The minister said the country would leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) to facilitate the exchange of goods and services while fast-tracking trade and investment through economic cooperation.
He also said the current administration intends to use the country’s demographic advantage to harness its human capital resources for development.
“We are happy to say that the youth population of this country is soaring high in fintech, music, arts, sports, and so forth.
Our foreign policy and diplomatic engagement will be used to showcase the vibrant young talent and skills that our young population possesses for national development,” he noted.
Amb. Tuggar, speaking on diaspora as a major component of the country’s new foreign policy thrust, said the Nigerian diaspora community plays a major role in the development of the country, pointing out that their remittances had become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
“Mr. President acknowledges this and believes that a well-structured diaspora community will continue to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s imaging and a veritable source of direct investment,” he added.
He said the new foreign policy is a commitment to progress and laying the groundwork for enhanced global engagements and sustainable development.
