Efforts to transform Nigeria through economic diplomacy

 Cross section of participants at the 13^th Brainstorming Session 

of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs 

on the Plight of Nigerians in

 Foreign Prisons held recently at the Institute.

 By Paul Arhewe
The scorecard for Nigerian foreign policy in harnessing and contributing positively to government’s transformational agenda, since 2011, is adjudged by stakeholders that more impetus is required to garner more dividends in comparative to what is achieved. Identified challenges need to be addressed to make the policy more effective and result oriented.
Economic diplomacy which forms the centrepiece of Nigerian foreign policy is a foremost instrument used by the current administration to propel the attainment of a robust economy.
The President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s agenda which is anchored on attaining specific targets in its vision 20:2020 policy; foremost among these are job creation, poverty alleviation, and the creation of a robust economic growth for the country.

The Nigerian Foreign Ministry since the present administration came to power in May 29, 2011, has involved in strategic engagements with other countries, particularly those that are seen as veritable sources for trade, acquisition of technology, those who can contribute to Nigerian democracy and peace, security and territorial integrity.
The ministry, in a bid to attract inflow of direct foreign investments, has entered into bilateral deals between Nigeria and other several countries, in areas of trade, technological cooper
ation, ICT, education, culture and tourism.
In the same vein, it has revived several agreements and MOUs for the benefit of the country.
Currently, Nigeria has Bi-national Commissions with five countries- US, Canada, Germany, South Africa and Algeria.
The Foreign Ministry said in its annual report for last year, “in order to effectively complement the economic drive of the present administration, the Trade and Investment Division of the Ministry has been repositioned and upgraded to better deliver on its foreign investment and trade promotion mandate.”
The Ministry said it now have “better synergy with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, other relevant MDAs and State Governments as well as effective coordination of all Missions abroad.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru recently said, many have frequently asked why Nigerians cannot derive greater benefits from the huge investments government has made to the cause of Africa. “What we have done today, in response to the global realities and changing times, are to make Nigeria the centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. This entails that every foreign policy decision must pass the litmus test of how far and by how much Nigeria’s specific and general national interests are being promoted, pursued and served.”
“This is why we have sought to deploy foreign policy to support and promote the economic development of Nigeria through job and wealth creation, empowerment and the development of critical infrastructure for the benefit of the Nigerian people. Making Nigeria our primary focus in terms of issues bordering on our national security, economic prosperity, youth unemployment and infrastructural development, does not translate to a reduction of our commitment to Africa,” Ashiru added.
Answering the question on how new policy thrust has contributed in revamping the country’s economy, the minister said “It is in light of the foregoing considerations, as well as the bright economic prospects of the country that we are encouraged to note the report recently released by Price Waterhouse Coopers, which forecasts that Nigeria will emerge as the 13th top economy in the world by 2050. Indeed, a recent study classified Nigeria, together with Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey, as members of MINTs, in recognition of our emerging economic prospects and as the new centres of global economic growth. These assessments are not only reassuring but are also pointers that Nigeria is on the right path to attain the objectives of Vision 20:2020. These also challenge us to redouble our efforts in this regard.”
Moves to secure seat at UNSC
Another vital issue on the foreign front, since the Jonathan’s administration took the reign of power since 2011, is the bid to secure a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2014.
Nigeria last served in the prestigious UN Security Council from 2010-2011 and is seeking a re-election for another twoterms (2014-2015).
The country is promoting its contribution to peacekeeping and security in Africa accomplishments as credentials that qualifies it for another term of membership.
For now, Nigeria and Chad are campaigning for the two available African seats at the Council and both countries have already received the endorsement of the African Union.
The forthcoming election is to replace Togo, Morocco, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Guatemala, whose two-year term at the council expires on December 31.
Lobbying prominent members had begun in harness, with some European countries like Poland and France already tilting to the side of Nigeria. Some others, like Canada, remain undecided.
The five permanent veto-wielding members- U.S., UK, France, Russia and China, and the 10 non-permanent members at the UNSC, currently, together make up the 15-member body, which are empowered by the UN Charter to ensure maintenance of international peace and security, investigate disputes that may escalate and to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments.
Recently, report said the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chris Cooter made it known that his country is yet to “declare a position” on Nigeria’s bid for the seat.
“That issue was raised at our meeting in Ottawa, we haven’t declared our position on that yet,’’ Cooter said.
“But obviously our relationship with Nigeria is growing all the time and I know we will give that a very serious consideration.’’
Polish President Donald Tusk who recently was hosted in Abuja disclosed his country’s intention of backing Nigeria for the UNSC seat.
According to Tusk, “Nigeria is one of the most promising economies in the world …”
“Nigeria is in the focus of interest of growth because of the abundant natural resources including oil.”
He emphasised that there was a sign of hope of freedom and development of human rights that could spread throughout the continent as result of the courage and ambition of Nigerians, both factors, which are “the strongest magnet that is attracting Poland to Nigeria.”
The country battle to secure a seat in the UNSC, in order to have a strong voice in global security, internal security threat, is a huge challenge for the current government that is constrained with local security challenges.
However, the Foreign Affairs Minister recently said the country has continued to earn more respect in the international community despite its lingering domestic challenges.
“While we have experienced some security challenges locally, this has not affected the goodwill, friendship and partnerships that Nigeria continues to enjoy in the comity of nations”. Ashiru said hardly does any week pass without the visit of one high-level delegation or the other to Nigeria, just as Nigerian officials are also received and respected abroad. “We have continued to receive official delegations and visitors from all countries seeking to engage with us, to invest in Nigeria’s economy and exchange views on important issues of common interest and concerns.”
“As a testimony to Nigeria’s strategic importance in the comity of nations, President Goodluck Jonathan has undertaken several trips to many countries abroad, where he was received very warmly by his hosts and the resident Nigerian community in those countries.”
Nigerians in foreign prisons
There are currently about 25,000 Nigerians in foreign prisons, according to estimate given during a brainstorming conference organised in Lagos by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in March this year.
The Spanish Embassy in Nigeria said as at February 27, 2013 there are 585 Nigerians imprisoned in Spain. Also, last year the British High Commission revealed that 6,000 Nigerians are in UK prisons.
The Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri Erewa, in her paper delivered during the meeting said many Nigerians settle for illegal arrangements in obtaining required travel documents. “They employ all manners of pranks to beat immigration laws and ultimately regret their actions.
She said in extreme cases, like in China, where over 2000 Nigerians are said to be languishing in various jails, when they are caught with expired documents; they are cramped in jail, rather than repatriate them home, they request that they pay $5000.”
The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, who was represented at the conference by the Controller-General of Nigerian Prisons, Zakari Ibrahim said the number of Nigerians in US prison, two years ago was estimated to be around 800, and the number must have increased by now. “The situation now poses a serious concern,” he said.
Furthermore, to address the problem of drugs trafficking from Nigeria, currently, eight countries have subscribed for visa clearance certificate from National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Nigerians who intend to travel to these countries are required to obtain this visa clearance.
A statement from the NDLEA states that the visa clearance system remains an important instrument which serves as a strong deterrent for aspiring drug dealers from obtaining visas from countries that have subscribed to the scheme.