The Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) has urged the Federal Government to reposition Nigerian embassies across the world as active trade and investment hubs capable of driving economic growth, attracting foreign investments and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.

The Centre made the call in a new policy research report titled, “Nigeria Must Rethink Its Global Strategy: Why Bilateral Trade and Investment Partnerships Hold Key to Sustainable Development in Africa.”
Presented by the President and Chief Executive of ADSC, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi.

The report advocated a major shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture from what it described as symbolic diplomacy to a results-driven economic engagement strategy.

According to the report, Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships have yet to translate into significant gains in industrial growth, infrastructure development, export expansion and job creation despite the country’s strategic position in Africa.

ADSC noted that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, countries now derive influence largely through trade alliances, investment partnerships and supply chain integration rather than conventional diplomatic engagements alone.

The Centre warned that Nigeria risks economic underperformance if it fails to deliberately align its foreign policy with national economic priorities.

It stated that bilateral relationships should serve as structured channels for investment inflows, innovation, technology transfer and sustainable development.

The report identified China, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, South Africa and India as critical strategic partners Nigeria should prioritise in pursuing deeper economic cooperation.

According to the Centre, relations with China should move beyond infrastructure financing towards industrial and manufacturing partnerships capable of supporting export-led growth, while engagement with the United Kingdom offers opportunities in financial systems and governance innovation.

It added that the United Arab Emirates could serve as a strategic gateway for global trade logistics and investments, while Germany presents opportunities in industrial development and renewable energy collaboration.

The report also highlighted the importance of strengthening intra-African trade through closer collaboration with South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

ADSC called for stronger participation in multilateral platforms such as the World Trade Organisation and BRICS to expand Nigeria’s access to global markets and investment opportunities.

As part of its recommendations, the Centre proposed the adoption of Policy-as-a-Platform (PaaP) and Results-as-a-Service (RaaS) frameworks to ensure digitally trackable implementation of policies and measurable outcomes from international agreements.

It said diplomatic engagements should be tied to economic indicators such as investment inflows, export growth and employment generation.

The report also recommended the establishment of joint economic implementation councils with partner countries to ensure that bilateral agreements move beyond formal signing ceremonies to concrete execution.

Speaking on the findings, Oluwafemi said: “The difference between a nation that participates in global diplomacy and one that leads global economic transformation lies in execution.

“Nigeria must move from signing agreements to delivering measurable results that impact industries, jobs and national prosperity.”