The call, lately, by foreign policy experts on Nigeria to adopt a consistent, long-term foreign policy framework could not have come at a more auspicious time. As the professionals argued, policy inconsistency has left the country without a clear strategic direction; and this has negatively manifested in several incidents marking the country’s relationship with the outside world.
 
For decades, Nigeria’s foreign policy was one of the country’s strongest assets. From the anti-apartheid struggle in Southern Africa to peacekeeping missions across the continent and leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria earned a reputation as the “Giant of Africa.” It was a nation whose voice mattered in regional and global affairs, largely because its foreign policy was clear, purposeful and backed by diplomatic credibility.
 
Today, however, that reputation appears to be fading. Increasingly, it is difficult to define what Nigeria’s foreign policy truly represents. Beyond official statements and routine diplomatic engagements, there is little evidence of a coherent strategy that protects the country’s national interest, projects its influence or safeguards the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.
 
Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Foreign Policy Lecture Series held in Lagos, themed ‘Nigeria and the World: Navigating a Treacherous Global Order’, Professor of International Relations, Alade Fawole, observed that successive administrations had pursued foreign policy without continuity, leaving Nigeria without a clear and consistent trajectory in its engagement with the international community.
 
He argued that foreign policy should no longer be shaped by the preferences of each administration but anchored on a comprehensive, non-partisan blueprint capable of guiding the country’s external relations.
 
These experts cannot be more correct. The time has come for a fundamental rethink of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework to align it with present-day realities and national aspirations.
 
The Constitution places the welfare and security of Nigerians at the heart of governance. That constitutional responsibility extends beyond the country’s borders. Millions of Nigerians live, work, study and invest across the world. They contribute billions of dollars yearly through remittances and serve as ambassadors of Nigeria in their various countries of residence.
 
Yet many of them continue to face discrimination, harassment, arbitrary detention, xenophobic attacks and unfair treatment without a commensurate response from their home government.
 
This raises troubling questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement. A country’s foreign policy should first and foremost protect the interests of its citizens wherever they may be.

Diplomacy is not merely about state visits, bilateral meetings or participation in international conferences. It is fundamentally about defending national interests, promoting economic prosperity and ensuring that citizens receive protection when they are vulnerable outside their homeland.
 
Recent experiences across parts of Africa and beyond have exposed the weaknesses in Nigeria’s external engagement. In several neighbouring countries and other African states, Nigerians have experienced hostility, persecution and expulsion. Such developments challenge the long-held Africa-centred orientation of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
 
While the principle of African solidarity remains noble, it cannot continue to operate as a one-way commitment in which Nigeria bears enormous responsibilities without receiving reciprocal respect for its citizens and interests.
 
This does not mean Nigeria should abandon its commitment to African unity. Rather, it means that Africa-centred diplomacy must evolve into interest-driven diplomacy. Every successful nation places its national interest above sentiment. Nigeria should do no less. Foreign policy should be guided by strategic calculations, measurable outcomes and reciprocal relationships instead of outdated assumptions that goodwill alone will guarantee respect.
 
Equally important is the recognition that foreign policy cannot exist in isolation from domestic realities. A nation’s international standing is largely determined by what happens within its borders. Countries that command respect globally do so because they possess stable institutions, strong economies, credible democratic systems and effective security structures. Diplomacy simply amplifies these domestic strengths.
 
Nigeria unfortunately faces enormous internal challenges that inevitably weaken its external influence.

Persistent insecurity, economic instability, policy inconsistency, high unemployment, inflation and governance deficits have diminished the country’s standing internationally. Investors, development partners and even neighbouring countries often assess Nigeria through the prism of these domestic realities. No amount of diplomatic rhetoric can compensate for weaknesses at home.
 
This explains why the country’s foreign policy often appears reactive rather than strategic. Without a stable domestic foundation, Nigeria finds itself responding to international developments instead of shaping them. The result is diminished influence in regional affairs and reduced bargaining power on global issues.
 
Another area that deserves urgent attention is policy consistency. One of the hallmarks of successful foreign policy is continuity. Governments may change, but national interests remain constant.

Unfortunately, policy reversals have become almost routine in Nigeria. Successive administrations frequently discard or alter existing initiatives without adequate evaluation, creating uncertainty both domestically and internationally.
 
Such inconsistency undermines investor confidence, weakens diplomatic credibility and sends confusing signals to international partners. Foreign governments and multinational institutions prefer dealing with countries whose commitments survive political transitions. Nigeria must therefore institutionalise long-term foreign policy objectives that transcend partisan politics and individual administrations.
 
he Ministry of Foreign Affairs also has a crucial role to play in this regard. Beyond ceremonial diplomacy, the ministry must become more proactive, strategic and responsive to emerging global developments. It should strengthen economic diplomacy, deepen engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, improve consular services and respond swiftly whenever Nigerians encounter difficulties abroad. Diplomatic missions should become effective centres for protecting citizens, promoting trade and attracting investment rather than merely serving administrative functions.
 
The National Assembly must equally rise to its constitutional responsibility. Legislative oversight of Nigeria’s foreign relations should go beyond routine budget approvals and confirmation hearings.

Parliamentary committees responsible for foreign affairs should actively contribute to policy development, monitor the implementation of diplomatic objectives and ensure that Nigeria’s external engagements remain aligned with national priorities.
 
More importantly, Nigeria must redefine what constitutes national interest in the 21st century. The global diplomatic landscape has changed significantly. Economic competition, technological advancement, climate change, migration, cyber security, energy transition and artificial intelligence now shape international relations as much as traditional political and military considerations.
 
Foreign policy must therefore become multidimensional, integrating economic growth, technological innovation, education, cultural diplomacy and national security into a comprehensive strategy.
 
Economic diplomacy should occupy the centre of Nigeria’s international engagement. Countries increasingly measure diplomatic success by trade volumes, investment inflows, technological partnerships and employment opportunities generated for their citizens. Nigeria possesses enormous economic potential, yet much of that potential remains untapped because external engagement has not sufficiently prioritised commerce and investment promotion.
 
Similarly, national security and military capability remain important determinants of international respect. While military strength alone does not define a nation’s influence, the ability to secure territorial integrity and contribute meaningfully to regional stability enhances diplomatic credibility.

Nigeria’s longstanding leadership role in peacekeeping operations should be complemented by renewed investment in defence capabilities, intelligence gathering and regional security cooperation.
 
Equally essential is the legitimacy of governance. Nations with transparent institutions, credible elections and accountable leadership enjoy greater respect and moral authority in international affairs.

Democratic credibility strengthens diplomatic influence because it enhances trust among international partners. Nigeria must therefore continue to strengthen its democratic institutions, rule of law and anti-corruption efforts as integral components of foreign policy.
 
Many countries that once looked to Nigeria for leadership have since overtaken it economically, institutionally and diplomatically. Several of Nigeria’s contemporaries have diversified their economies, strengthened governance and expanded their global influence. Their progress should serve not as a source of discouragement but as a reminder that national decline is neither inevitable nor irreversible.
 
Nigeria possesses abundant human capital, strategic geographical advantages, natural resources and entrepreneurial energy. These assets can once again support an influential foreign policy if backed by sound governance, policy coherence and sustained national commitment.
 
Ultimately, foreign policy is not an abstract exercise conducted exclusively by diplomats in conference rooms. It reflects national purpose. It communicates to the world who we are, what we stand for and what we seek to achieve. A country without a clear foreign policy risks becoming irrelevant in international affairs and vulnerable to the interests of others. Nigeria cannot afford such a fate.