Ojukwu Sets New Foreign Policy Direction
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has unveiled Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke during her first formal briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.The minister said Nigeria’s foreign policy will focus on four key areas. They are demography, development, democracy and diaspora.
She said national interest, strategic autonomy and reciprocity will guide Nigeria’s international relationships.
According to Ojukwu, the government wants diplomacy to deliver real benefits for Nigerians. These benefits include jobs, investment, education, security and technology.
Minister Targets Stronger Global Partnerships
Ojukwu also announced plans to revive dormant Joint Commissions and Bi-national Commissions.
These platforms will help Nigeria strengthen ties with other countries. They will also support cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, health and agriculture.
“The true measure of our relationships will not be the number of meetings we hold or communiqués we issue,” she said.
“It will be the progress we achieve for our people, the investments we facilitate, the opportunities we create, the challenges we resolve and the friendships we strengthen.”
Meanwhile, the minister described Nigeria’s approach as “Nigeria-centred, Africa-conscious and globally engaged.”
She added that strategic autonomy does not mean isolation.
“Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation; it means preserving Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine the relationships and positions that best serve our people,” Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu Warns Diplomats Ahead Of 2027 Elections
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Ojukwu urged foreign missions to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.She warned diplomats against making unguarded comments about the country’s elections.
The minister said Nigeria remains committed to a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.She also reminded foreign missions to use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for official communications with the Nigerian government.
“The Ministry is not an obstacle between you and the Nigerian Government; we are your bridge to the Nigerian Government,” she said.
Minister Raises Visa And Consular Concerns
Ojukwu also appealed to foreign missions to improve visa processes for Nigerians.She noted that long waiting periods affect travellers, students, business people and families.
“While we fully respect the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa policy, excessively long waiting periods can create considerable difficulties,” she said.
The minister also promised better handling of diplomatic correspondence and consular requests. She further highlighted cultural diplomacy as a tool for stronger international relations.
Nigeria, she said, remains open to trade, tourism, technology and meaningful partnerships.
However, such partnerships must respect reciprocity, sovereign equality and mutual respect.
