Institution reformer, Jonah Ubanmhen, says a review of standard procedures and programs of government is necessary to ensure a better understanding of policy messes, as well as a reverse course to engage with lawmakers in other to salvage the county. His diplomacy program aims to give the leadership of Nigeria’s development to the legislature, the reformer said on Monday amid the Sudan crisis which resulted in the extraction of thousands of Nigerian citizens in Khartoum.
Chaos broke out following the 2019 uprising with civilian demand for oversight of the military and tensions for the integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces.
Notably, the crisis has indeed opened a new vista in the diplomatic relations between Nigeria, Sudan, and other countries of the world as it concerns Nigeria’s foreign policy. Some have called for a more robust Nigerian-centered foreign policy and behind the dismay is a fundamental reset expected through Jonah’s diplomacy program.
According to Mr. Ubanmhen, “The new era, the executive orders, and pending legislations will aim at improving diplomatic ties that have soured badly and help boost a deeply strained economy.” The new diplomacy landscape, which he internally calls Nigeria Exchange and Broadcast Program (NEBP), is expected to roll out in the coming months. From an economic perspective, Jonah said, the main goals are to advocate for the restoration of robust growth to Nigeria’s slowing economy and shore up its international image.
Also, he added that from a diplomatic perspective, Nigeria’s main aim is to improve relationships with some countries around the world, after a period that has left the country feeling uncomfortably isolated. The strategy, little noted at this time, presents a basic rethinking of how the Nigerian government views the growth and development of Nigeria—one that Nigerian policymakers have been missing for decades.
A source in the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Nigeria needs to realign its foreign policy thrust by creating a suitable model for the 21st century. “Nigerians as citizens should be our first-line ambassadors and foreign policy focus, and so Africa should not continue to be the centerpiece or cornerstone of her foreign policy,” he said in a conversation with KAFTAN Post. The reformer stressed that Nigeria is looking to reduce its international isolation by fundamentally changing its foreign policy in other to safeguard and protect the national interest.
Today’s Nigeria is a country closely leaning on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization and progress. The new journey in the new era will mark the beginning of the full implementation of guiding principles for proactively expanding global partnerships, openness, and cooperation. It will represent a major-country relationship that features peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development.
Also during his interaction with KAFTAN Post, he highlighted the starting point for his diplomacy reset, which is clearly set out on a reverse legislative agenda. This line is just one ploy in a broader strategy aimed at lessening Nigeria’s sense of isolation and safeguarding her national interests. In unveiling the plans, another key aspect of his strategy is to position Nigeria not only to safeguard her national interests, security, and development interests but also to be willing to work hard and contribute Nigeria’s wisdom and solutions for the peace and development of all humanity.
In line with diplomatic efforts in the new era, he added, “We have the confidence, conditions, and capacity to turn Nigeria’s economy for the better as a whole. We can uphold fundamental principles and break new grounds, keep advancing on the journey ahead, and write a new chapter in multi-country diplomacy with Nigerian characteristics. But ultimately, we will continue telling engaging stories of our country diplomacy program and the Nigerian people, and set a credible, amiable, and respectable image of Nigeria” Jonah said.
