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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Improve Nigeria’s Global Image, Tinubu Tells Newly Appointed Envoys

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has urged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to focus on improving the country's global image and attracting foreign investment.
  • He stressed the need for modern, results-oriented diplomacy, integrating traditional methods with digital engagement and public diplomacy.
  • Tinubu also announced a reordering of Nigeria's foreign policy framework, the "4D Doctrine," prioritizing Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy to ensure international engagements benefit citizens.

President Bola Tinubu has laid out a clear directive for Nigeria's newly appointed diplomatic corps, emphasizing their crucial role in reshaping the nation's standing on the global stage. Speaking at an induction course in Abuja, Tinubu charged the ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments, forge stronger strategic partnerships, and, most importantly, reposition Nigeria's global image in tune with the dynamic international landscape.

Tinubu charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments, strengthen strategic partnerships and reposition the country’s global image in line with evolving diplomatic realities.

— Yomi Odunuga, Media Aide to the SGFSummarizing President Tinubu's charge to the new envoys.

The President acknowledged the rapidly evolving global system, marked by shifting geopolitical tides, economic volatility, technological advancements, climate concerns, and emerging security threats. In this context, he underscored that the role of diplomats has become more critical than ever. Tinubu called for a departure from traditional diplomatic approaches, urging the envoys to embrace modern, results-oriented strategies that combine conventional diplomacy with digital engagement, public diplomacy, and strategic communication.

A significant announcement from the President was the reordering of Nigeria's foreign policy framework, previously known as the 4D Doctrine (Democracy, Development, Demography, Diaspora). The new framework, now prioritizing Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy, places the Nigerian people at the very center of the nation's foreign policy agenda. This strategic shift aims to ensure that all international engagements yield tangible benefits for the citizens, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth and national development.

The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest.

— President Bola TinubuHighlighting the need for adaptive and proactive diplomacy.

Tinubu also stressed the importance of projecting Nigeria's achievements under his administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" in a credible and compelling manner. He highlighted the need for professionalism, integrity, and patriotism in carrying out their duties, reminding the envoys that they are the face of Nigeria abroad. Safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians living in the diaspora was also reiterated as a top priority for all missions, underscoring the administration's focus on its citizens, both at home and abroad.

This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit.

— President Bola TinubuExplaining the rationale behind the revised 4D Doctrine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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