BY JIMOH AKEEM BOLAJI
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for closer dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions accredited to Nigeria.
The Minister made the call during the Briefing and Interactive Session held with Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions as well as Representatives of International Organisations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on Thursday, 17 September, 2026.
In her speech, the Honourable Minister reiterated the 4Ds (Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora) on which the foreign policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchored. She added that the 4Ds placed Nigeria and Nigerians at the centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy, while maintaining the country’s commitment to its neighbours, ECOWAS, Africa, as well as its international obligations.
She emphasized that Nigeria would continue to exercise strategic autonomy in its international relations. According to the Honourable Minister, Nigeria seeks “friendship and cooperation with all nations, but our positions and partnerships will be guided by our national interest, mutual respect, reciprocity and our international obligations”. She explained that Strategic Autonomy did not mean isolation; but the preservation of Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine the relationships and positions that best serve its people.
The Honourable Minister requested foreign Missions to remain guided as Nigeria’s 2027 general elections drew near. She urged them to recognize that developments in the country could have regional and international implications, and emphasized that Nigeria would not accept unguarded comments, disparaging remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy from any country or international organization. She expressed the unwavering commitment of the Government of President Tinubu to democratic governance and the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
