AFRPN calls for strategic thinking in crafting impactful foreign policies

AFRPN calls for strategic thinking in crafting impactful foreign policies

Joel Oladele, Abuja

Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) has urged policymakers to engage strategic thinkers and analysts to ensure robust foreign policy formulation, citing examples of proactive planning and foresight to navigate international developments effectively.

The President of the Association, Amb. Gani Lawal made this appeal at a Press Conference on Wednesday as part of activities for AFRPN’s 6th Annual Lecture.

Lawal noted that the association is dedicated to influencing Nigeria’s foreign policy positively through intellectual discussions, workshops, publications, and mentorship programs.

He stated that with the unexpected developments in the political landscape of West Africa in recent time, there is a need to be proactive, emphasizing that Nigeria must align its political decisions with economic strategies for sustainable development.

“For Nigeria to continue to maintain leadership position it must increase its weight of military-industrial capability, economic prosperity at home and readiness to assist its neighbors and lesser third world democracies. 

“It must also invest abundantly in the African Union mantra of Regional Integration and cooperation, silencing the guns and support for less developed neighbors and conflict resolution through dialogue and compromise. It is hoped that the 4 D mantra of the president Tinubu foreign policy will not jettison our age long pursuit of concentric brother keeper’s foreign policy.

“ It is instructive to reiterate that new development requires new thinking that flows from strategic intent, who will contemplate a break up of ECOWAS five years ago but it happened because we did not prevent it from happening through early warning system afforded by strategic intent. 

“We are now left with scampering for solution since we did not contemplate it abinitio. 

“The crafters of Nigerian foreign policy must begin to build the notion of pro and con into our policy formulation which requires engaging strategic thinkers and ebulliently qualified policy analysts who are current with social and political dynamics that continue to shape society and government. 

“As Professor Gambari retorted in his last lecture to AFRPN that foreign policy formulation is not about “dongo turaenchi” but strategic thinking. 

“Though I am aware of the marriage between politics and economics but at some point, the idea of mixing politics with economic strategies to achieve prosperity for the populace through regional grouping should stop as canvassed by former president Mbeki in his last lecture to AFRPN,” Lawal said 

He added that Political solutions must not be a clog in the wheel of economic prosperity of the people. 

“Some regional organizations such as ECOWAS are basically designed for economic integration to achieve prosperity for the people through creation of a large base for economic exchanges and must be shielded from happenings in the political high ends. 

“It is instructive to note that ECOWAS was a creation of military regimes and as such the new found euphoria with democracy has no place in its working and therefore must be spared,” he said

According to Amb. Lawal, this year’s theme, “Unconstitutional Change of Government and Attainment of AU63 Agenda and UN SDGs – The Case of West Africa and the Sahel Subregion.” reflects the association’s dedication to addressing contemporary issues impacting Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional dynamics.

Expected at the event coming up on Tuesday, 26th March 2024 are distinguished personalities such as Amb Dr Dalhatu Tafida, former High commissioner of Nigeria to United Kingdom; Prof Mrs Joy Ogwu, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Geoffrey Onyeama, the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs; and former Ministers of State, Mr Dada Subair and Amb Hirse. The present Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar is the chief host of the day.

Alhaji Kashim Mustapha Shettima GCON, the 15th Vice President of Nigeria, will be the special guest of honor. The 14th Emir of Kano, also the Royal Patron of AFRPN, will serve as the royal father of the day.