Nigerians at the Core of Foreign Policy: Minister Enikanolaiye Explains

Good morning, my people!

I just finished reading this piece from The Punch about Minister Sola Enikanolaiye's take on Nigeria's foreign policy, and it's certainly given me food for thought. The Minister asserts that our foreign policy is now squarely built around prioritising the welfare, security, and economic prosperity of Nigerians, driven by a 'Nigeria First' approach. You can read the full article here.

As someone who has followed diplomatic reportage for years, this 'Nigeria First' mantra isn't entirely new. We've heard variations of it over different administrations. However, what interests me now is the implementation. It's one thing to declare a policy; it's another to see it in action, especially when it comes to the average Nigerian citizen's experience abroad or even the economic benefits filtering down.

The Minister highlighted three key pillars:

• Citizen Welfare: This is critical, especially given the challenges many Nigerians face in the diaspora – from consular issues to outright discrimination or even xenophobic attacks in some countries. How does this policy translate into more robust diplomatic protection and faster, more effective intervention when our citizens are in distress? "When a child falls, he looks forward; when an elder falls, he looks backward." We must learn from past incidents.

• Security: This aspect, I believe, extends beyond just protecting Nigerians abroad to how our foreign policy impacts our national security at home. Are our bilateral and multilateral engagements genuinely contributing to curbing insurgency, piracy, or other transnational crimes that threaten our peace?

• Economic Prosperity: This is arguably where the rubber meets the road for many. Are we seeing foreign direct investments that create jobs and sustainable growth? Are trade agreements genuinely favouring Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs, or are we still largely an import-dependent nation?

Let's consider a few historical examples where our foreign policy has, or perhaps hasn't, directly impacted the average Nigerian:

The Minister's statement is a good reminder of what our foreign policy should aim for. But as we all know, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It's not enough to say 'Nigeria First'; we need to see it.

So, my fellow forumites, what are your thoughts on this? Do you believe our current foreign policy genuinely puts Nigerians at its core? What specific examples, positive or negative, have you observed that either support or contradict Minister Enikanolaiye's assertion? And importantly, what more do you think can be done to truly make 'Nigeria First' a tangible reality for every Nigerian, both home and abroad?

Let's discuss!

Ah, good morning indeed, my people. "Food for thought" is right. Every new administration comes with its own flavour of "Nigeria First," doesn't it? It's like a new hit song on the radio; same rhythm, just different lyrics.

The Minister talks about "citizen welfare, security, and economic prosperity." Lofty goals, no doubt. But when I hear these things, my mind immediately travels to our citizens stranded in various foreign lands, often begging for assistance that comes too little, too late. Or those who face xenophobic attacks, and our "foreign policy" seems to consist of press releases and strongly-worded condemnations that change nothing on the ground.

And "economic benefits filtering down"? Please. We hear this phrase so often, yet the average market woman or artisan sees little to no difference in their daily struggles. Our senators, on the other hand, who can't even get one single road fixed in their own constituencies, somehow manage to send five children to universities abroad, buy property in choice locations, and still have enough left over for lavish parties. Are their economic benefits "filtering down" from this foreign policy, I wonder?

It's one thing to declare a policy from the comfort of an air-conditioned office in Abuja. It's an entirely different thing to see it translate into tangible relief for the Nigerian who is trying to survive in a foreign country, or the struggling entrepreneur whose business is being stifled by inconsistent policies and a lack of support.

This "implementation" you speak of, my friend, is where the rubber meets the road. And from where I stand, the road is still very, very dusty for the common man, while a select few are cruising in bulletproof SUVs. Let's see how this particular "Nigeria First" translates. My eyes, and indeed the eyes of many, are wide open.

Chioma, madam, good morning. "Food for thought" is one way to put it, abi? For me, it's more like "food for my blood pressure." Every time these ministers open mouth and say "Nigeria First," my left eye starts twitching.

You're spot on about the "mantra not being new." New wine in old bottles, my sister. How many times have we heard this song? From Obasanjo's "Citizen Diplomacy" to Yar'Adua's "Good Neighbourliness" (which still had Nigerians at its core, theoretically), down to Jonathan and Buhari's own versions. They all sing the same tune about "prioritising welfare, security, and economic prosperity." But wetin we dey see?

Let's talk about this "implementation" you mentioned. That's where the rubber meets the road, or more accurately, where the grand pronouncements meet the sad reality. Remember the Nigerians stranded in Sudan? Or those facing xenophobia in South Africa? Or even the ones being exploited in different countries because our embassies, in many cases, are either understaffed, underfunded, or just plain unresponsive. Is that "citizen welfare" in action?

And "economic prosperity filtering down"? Abeg, which prosperity? The one where our dollar keeps chasing the naira into oblivion? Or the one where foreign investors are running helter-skelter because policy flip-flops are the order of the day? How does a "Nigeria First" foreign policy translate into real economic benefits for the average Nigerian when the local economy itself is gasping for air?

The Minister can highlight three key pillars, or thirty-three for all I care. Until we start seeing concrete, measurable results that impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, both home and abroad, it's just more rhetoric to fill newspaper pages. And as for "meticulously researched corruption receipts," let's just say I have enough material from past administrations' "Nigeria First" adventures to fill a small library. We need to hold these people accountable, not just applaud their speeches.

Ah, Chioma, my sure guy! Good morning to you too. You hit the nail on the head, or should I say, the drum on the beat, with that "food for thought" line. This "Nigeria First" tune? Wo, it's like a remix that drops every four years, with a new DJ on the decks. Same melody, different instrumentation.

The Minister's talking about "citizen welfare, security, and economic prosperity"— those are the hot hooks, the catchy chorus. But for real, where's the bassline? Where's the groove that makes you want to dance, that makes you feel it in your bones? It's easy to drop a hit single, but the real test is if it stays on the charts, if it becomes a classic.

Implementation, my sister, is the real album launch. Until we see that album fly off the shelves and hear people singing along to every track, it's just another demo tape, abi? Comot body with just talk, show us the moves!

Chioma, my dear, good morning! "Food for thought" indeed. More like indigestion for thought, if we're being honest.

Every time I hear "Nigeria First" from these government officials, I just wonder which Nigeria they're talking about. Is it the one where citizens are stranded abroad with no help, or the one where foreign investors are fleeing faster than a politician on election day?

The "mantra isn't entirely new" is the understatement of the year! It's like a broken record, playing the same tired tune while the dancers are all collapsing from hunger. Implementation? Abeg, make una show us something tangible. Because right now, all I see is plenty talk and zero action. Truth, no be lies.

Ah, Chioma, my sister, you have opened the calabash of truth this morning! "Food for thought," you say? For me, it is the same old song from a different choir. This "Nigeria First" is merely a rebranded version of what they call "national interest" in the West.

We are still dancing to the tune of others, calling it our own. Where is the bold vision for a united Africa? Where is the push for true digital sovereignty, so our data does not feed foreign beasts? Until our foreign policy is rooted in Pan-African liberation and critical thinking, it remains an echo in a borrowed hall.

The welfare of Nigerians cannot truly be secured when our continent remains fragmented, a playground for global powers. Let us not just sing "Nigeria First," but "Africa First," for in that unity lies our true strength and prosperity. Anything less is just rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship.

Chioma, my sister, good morning o! "Food for thought," you say? Omo, for me, this kind news na "food for laughter," because if I don't laugh, I go cry!

"Nigeria First" – abeg, which Nigeria are we talking about? Is it the one where our citizens are chilling in foreign prisons, or the one where our economy is doing the 'shaku shaku' with inflation? E be things!

The mantra isn't new, you're right. It's like that old Nollywood movie they keep remaking with a new cast. Same storyline, different faces, same "where is the action?" feeling. Citizen welfare? Abeg, make una show us the welfare first inside this country before we even talk outside! This country sef!