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FOREIGN POLICY AND THE PATH TO PEACE IN A DANGEROUS NEIGHBOURHOOD

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1 year ago

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FOREIGN POLICY AND THE PATH TO PEACE IN A DANGEROUS NEIGHBOURHOOD

By: Michael
Mike

Nigeria’s foreign policy to promote peace and prosperity is a constitutional obligation as much as it is a considered and sensible manifesto pledge, writes Hon Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I was born in a civil war and was not able to vote for my leader until I was in my 30s. Nigeria is now a country guided by the rule of law and a constitution that clearly defines our system of government. This includes our foreign policy objectives, and rightly so, because in an interconnected world, we define our sovereignty in the context of certain, key principles: our right to self-determination; our right to defend our autonomy and secure our borders; and responsibility to respect our obligations under international law.

As foreign minister, I think these provisions are not just reasonable but vital – both for our own democracy, domestic peace and prosperity but also for a more just and stable international order. But the point is this: it is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not the manifesto of a political party or predilections of a particular politician, that lays out these provisions. In a democracy, we have the privilege of healthy debate about our values, policies and performance. But if we are to live up to the responsibilities that come with democracy, that debate should be informed, fair and reasonable.

I respect the Constitution and its vision for Nigeria’s place in the international community, as do many of us. It has been an honour and a privilege to protect and promote those constitutional principles. They are the best guarantees for legitimacy, and the authority all governments need if they are to deliver. It is complex and time consuming. To our cost, we have learnt that there are no short cuts. Some Nigerians find fault in our Constitution, while others seek to amend it. There is always room for serious debate in a healthy democracy. But the fact remains it is the very document that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and every public official has sworn to uphold since 1999.

Nigeria’s Constitution declares that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government, through this Constitution, derives all its powers and authority. The same Chapter of the Constitution goes on to state Nigeria’s five foreign policy objectives: promotion and protection of the national interest, African integration and support for African unity, promotion of international cooperation for peace and mutual respect, respect of international law and treaty obligations and promotion of a just world economic order. Those who suggest Nigeria does not have a foreign policy or those who agitate for a shift away from an Afro-centric foreign policy are wrong; either they are ill-informed, or deliberately disingenuous.

The irony of it all is that Nigerians are able to speak in support of our military-ruled neighbours, governed without constitutions, precisely because Chapter Four of our own constitution guarantees them these rights and freedoms. This is not the same for the citizens ruled by the very regimes for which they seek to cheerlead of those countries governed without constitutions. Nigerians who are older than 30 know this to be true because we have been there, done that. Somehow in the passage of time, some forget that the military regime here that despatched troops to restore democracy in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the 1990s had first – and by force – taken that same democracy and rule of law away from us – just as military regimes continue to do the world over.

The Constitution also makes clear why any responsible Nigerian government should be concerned when neighbours are governed without a constitution or codified rules. It goes without saying that the sovereignty of our neighbours is their business. They can grant powers to whatever governing structures they deem fit and should expect their autonomy to remain safeguarded. But when our Interdependence Sovereignty overlaps, we equally have a right to exercise control over our borders in those cases where neighbours face insurgencies that significantly comprise territorial integrity and state authority.

International Legal Sovereignty also becomes an issue when we consider that respect for international law and treaty obligations is one of our irreducible foreign policy objectives. This is not the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy; it is a constitutional provision that every Nigerian President and government official swears to uphold. Nigeria is a member of ECOWAS, which is founded on treaties and protocols to which our foreign policy objectives commit us. All 15 member countries are signatory to the treaties and protocols, which is why it was no surprise that President Tinubu, as one who swore to uphold the Constitution, abided by it when ECOWAS leaders collectively objected to Unconstitutional Changes of Government.

In reality, the contemporary nation-state system is highly competitive and Nigeria exists in a self-help world. Our Constitution and international laws are meant to serve as guard rails in navigating the system. And by virtue of our size, we have the additional responsibility of being the regional power. Regardless of how some may try to diminish our standing, it is the way other countries perceive us. Our Constitution further reifies this leadership role right from the preamble- dedicating ourselves to promoting inter-African solidarity, to the foreign policy objectives- promotion of African integration and support for African unity and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations.

The Tinubu administration comes at a time when an interlocking suite of occurrences have made our neighbourhood less secure; implosion of Libya, failure of the EU Sahel Strategy, terrorism and criminal gangs, effects of climate change and population explosion. Nigeria did not create these challenges and was equally contending with its own domestic issue as these challenges escalated. Nigeria was not part of Operation Barkhane or the G5 in the Sahel, which were intended as efforts to fight terrorism and irregular migration but instead strengthened some irridentist Azawad/Tuareg groups that controlled border areas. This created a cauldron of disharmony between them and their national militaries, trained for a lifetime to keep their countries intact.

Nor was Nigeria part of the Partnership Framework with Third countries that conditioned aid and trade deals for Sahelian migration transit states in exchange for reducing the flow of migrants, with penalties for those who do not comply. In the case of Niger, a moment of truth was the passing of Law 2015-36 in May 2015 when its government, in consultation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and technical and financial support from the European Union and its member states, criminalized ancillary activities of the migration economy, such as providing transportation and accommodation to foreign nationals anywhere north of Agadez, in direct contravention of ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of people. They were persuaded to use a blunt hammer to crack a delicate nut. There is a highly politicised migration crisis in parts of Europe, that together we can and should resolve. But it was reckless to seek to solve one problem by creating another.

There is a reason why we have free movement in West Africa; seasonal migration- referred to in Hausa as ‘Ci Rani’. Seasonal migration in the semi-arid Sahel can be a matter of life and death, which is why we have always had turbaned Tuaregs going as far as Lagos and Port Harcourt to work as Maigadis (security) during the dry months, only to return back north during the rainy season. The weaponisation of sub-Saharan migration in Europe as a political tool led to the securitisation of the Sahel region, further exacerbating the security situation by forcing many of those affected to turn to criminal activities and terrorism. European migration figures show majority of migrants are from Syria, Afghanistan and Central Asia, not sub-Saharan Africa.

Yes, we need to work with our Sahelian neighbours to fight terrorism, by maintaining a right of pursuit into each others territories. But it would be myopic to think of this in absolutist terms, because we can accede to all conditionalities laid by them, it would still not be enough to tackle the challenges without a lasting solution to the bifurcated Libyan State as a source of weapons, training and fighters, as well as the shadowy involvement of a range of other state and non-state actors.

To achieve a lasting peace in Libya and the Sahel, Nigeria needs to deal with all the countries in the neighbourhood as well as all the major powers. For this reason, it does not make sense to simply deduce that Nigeria has to distance itself from France because that is the prevailing trend in its former colonies. The fulcrum of the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy is Strategic Autonomy, providing us with the clarity to engage with any and all nations based on our national interests and not those of others. As a nation, Nigeria is adult enough and sophisticated enough to deal with countries without being unduly influenced, because that has been part of our historical and civic tradition. You cannot cure an illness by picking which symptoms to consider and which to ignore.

Nigeria and ECOWAS will continue diplomatic efforts towards Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. At a minimum, we have shared interest in peaceful co-existence. President Tinubu has sent a number of high-level delegations that included a former Head of State, traditional rulers and religious scholars. President Tinubu pushed for the unconditional removal of ECOWAS sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. What he has consistently asked of the countries in question is for them to come up with a timetable for the restoration of constitutional rule and, in the case of Niger, the release of ousted President Bazoum.

Their response was to declare their intention to leave ECOWAS. With the one-year notice period coming to an end in January 2025, President Tinubu further pushed for ECOWAS to extend the grace period for another six months whilst intensifying diplomatic efforts. The response to this initiative last month was evidence-free allegations that Nigeria was harbouring foreign soldiers and as sponsoring state terrorism. Whenever President Tinubu and other democratic leaders offer stoic statesmanship and an opportunity to work together towards our common interests, it is met by confected controversy designed to divert and distract from a failure to meet the basic responsibilities of public administration. I know why coup leaders might seek to do that: it’s harder to understand the motives of apologists closer to home.

On my part, since assuming the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs on 21st August 2023, I have engaged diplomatically without pause, proposing personal visits and inviting senior government officials and representatives. Response has been akin to a diplomatic cold shoulder. We constituted a ministerial advisory committee that visited Niger and Mali and facilitated the visit of the Nigerian CDS to meet with his counterpart in Niamey. I regret that a proposed return visit was suspended by Niger after a date had been set. But let there be no doubt: we will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts assiduously, with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs that has existed for 67 years.

Nigeria’s principle of strategic autonomy is one that abhors the presence of foreign forces and private military companies in our region, whether from east or west. Nigeria presently has troops on peace keeping operations in Guinea Bissau and Gambia, with Sierra Leone on the way, where it is also supporting the setting up of a logistics base in Lungi. Nigeria is also leading the actualisation of the ECOWAS standby force, all in an effort to fight terrorism and instability within our region under the rule of law. We work closely with our partners on sharing of intelligence in order to guarantee the same rights and freedoms are enjoyed by all the people of the region.

As several of my colleagues in the region remind me, we are the hegemon, whether we admit it or not. And global politics works almost like physics, with polarity, ordering principles, distribution of power, balancing, etc. Nigeria has never had expansionist tendencies, never been threatening towards our neighbours and always chosen the path of peace and conciliation. This in part may have to do with the makeup of our polity and social fabric. Being such a huge country, we are used to the virtues of principled compromise. It is not by accident that we are the only country on the continent with six former leaders living in peace and harmony within our borders. Diversity, not division, is our strength. This is as true for Nigeria as it is for the smallest of countries – and collectively for all of our region.

FOREIGN POLICY AND THE PATH TO PEACE IN A DANGEROUS NEIGHBOURHOOD

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Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah

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11 hours ago

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April 18, 2026

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Honouring a Fallen Shield

Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah

A Tribute to Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah

Issued by the Board of Trustees, Management, and Volunteers of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

To the family of the late Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah

To the Government and People of Edo State, And to the gallant Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that the Ashlee Momoh Foundation joins the nation in mourning the loss of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who paid the ultimate price following the midnight attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh. His passing, alongside the brave officers and soldiers who fell beside him, leaves a silence that words can scarcely fill.

A Life Defined by Service

General Braimah was more than a soldier. He was a shield for the vulnerable, a steady hand in moments of crisis, and a living testament to the courage that defines the Nigerian spirit. His leadership inspired those under his command, and his devotion to duty protected countless lives he would never meet. To lose a commander of such calibre, together with his courageous troops, is a grief that travels far beyond the frontlines — into the homes, hearts, and hopes of a grateful nation.

To His Family 

We recognise that while the nation mourns a General, you mourn a husband, a father, a son, and the quiet pillar of your home. The cost of service is borne most heavily by those left behind, and no public tribute can ease that private weight. We acknowledge the enormity of your sacrifice. The absence of such a man creates a stillness that only time, faith, and love can gently soften. In this dark hour, please know that you do not grieve alone.

To Edo State and Nigeria

Our nation has lost a strategic mind and a fearless protector. His absence will echo in the ranks of the military and in the hearts of every citizen who has slept soundly because of men like him. His death is a solemn reminder of the ongoing cost of our peace — and of the urgent, continuing duty we all share to honour that price through action, unity, and care for those who stand on the frontlines in our name.

Our Commitment

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation was established on a simple, enduring principle: no hero’s sacrifice should result in the neglect of those they loved. Our mission places military families, widows, and vulnerable communities at the centre of our welfare, advocacy, and humanitarian work. We believe the legacy of men like General Braimah must be honoured not only in the words spoken today, but in tangible support sustained across years — in the education of their children, the dignity of their spouses, and the security of the communities for which they gave everything.We stand for a Nigeria where the blood of our heroes becomes the seed of a more secure and compassionate society. We remain firmly dedicated to strengthening the structures that care for our veterans, their dependents, and the families left in the wake of their service, so that the flame of their sacrifice is never allowed to dim.

A Final Word

May the soul of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, and the souls of the gallant soldiers who fell with him, rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty comfort his family, strengthen his comrades-in-arms, and grant our nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss — and the resolve to be worthy of his sacrifice.

With deepest sympathy and abiding respect,The Board of Trustees, Management, and Volunteers Ashlee Momoh Foundation Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives

Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah*

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Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

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23 hours ago

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April 18, 2026

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Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

By: Michael Mike

A powerful coalition of global and national leaders has challenged Nigerian students to take ownership of the future, as the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) 2026 opened with a resounding focus on digital transformation, equity, and sustainable development.

At the heart of the gathering was a clear message: young people are not just participants in tomorrow’s world—they are already shaping it.

Delivering a keynote message, António Guterres underscored the United Nations’ unwavering belief in the capacity of youth to drive meaningful change. He told delegates that Model UN platforms are more than academic exercises—they are training grounds for leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.

He emphasized that building a better future demands stamina, courage, and a deep commitment to fairness, urging students to always center the needs of the most vulnerable in their decision-making.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reinforced the importance of education as a cornerstone of national progress, describing LASSMUN as a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen education systems through innovation, infrastructure, and policies that promote critical thinking and character development. According to him, the discipline and engagement demanded by Model UN simulations mirror real-life governance and should inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.

Providing a broader intellectual perspective, Efosa Osaghae, represented by Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, said digital transformation holds immense promise for addressing global inequalities in education. However, he warned that without deliberate policies to ensure inclusiveness, technology could deepen existing divides.

He called for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, improved access, and stronger policy frameworks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

The Director of the United Nations Information Centre Abuja, Ronald Kayanja, took the message further, reminding participants that youth are already central to global efforts on peace, climate action, and sustainable development.

He urged delegates to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation—core values of the United Nations—while also developing the critical ability to distinguish facts from misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.

Earlier, LASSMUN President Damilola Ogunsanwo set the tone for the conference, describing it as a transformative experience that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect for global processes.

Also speaking, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, emphasized that Model UN bridges classroom learning with real-world application, equipping students with essential skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and teamwork.

Adding a development perspective, Ms. Genevieve Chukwuezi, representing the United Nations Development Programme Lagos Office, highlighted how technology proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning despite widespread school closures.

She stressed that digital transformation must go beyond access to technology, focusing instead on innovation, scalability, and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions that drive economic and social progress.

In a striking intervention, the conference Secretary-General, Praise Oyekunbi, cautioned against superficial adoption of technology, warning that digital tools without equitable access risk entrenching injustice rather than solving it.

“Technology without equity is not progress—it is exclusion,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.

With debates and committee sessions underway, LASSMUN 2026 is shaping up as more than a conference—it is a platform cultivating a new generation of informed, responsible, and globally conscious leaders ready to confront the defining challenges of the 21st century.

Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

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Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

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23 hours ago

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April 18, 2026

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Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, security institutions, and the education sector have called for urgent early intervention, stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.

They made the call at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, where experts warned that bullying is increasingly becoming a major driver of mental health challenges and broader social risks among young people.

NDLEA links bullying to drug abuse risks

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, warned that persistent bullying could expose young people to substance abuse and other harmful coping behaviours.

Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he said victims of bullying often suffer anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

He stressed that in some cases, affected students may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, noting that prevention of bullying directly aligns with NDLEA’s broader preventive mandate.

“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said, adding that safer schools are essential for building resilient communities.

NAPTIP urges zero tolerance and collective responsibility

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights that requires collective action across homes, schools, and communities.

Represented by NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she called for strict zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental engagement, and sustained community advocacy.

She also urged stakeholders to equip young people with skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, stressing that awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels are critical to preventing silent suffering among victims.

Experts warn of rising mental health burden

A Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, said bullying had worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, with significant consequences for students’ mental health and learning outcomes.

She noted that bullying extends beyond individuals to affect families and the education system, disrupting academic engagement and undermining safe learning environments.

Citing regional data, she said between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, warning that Nigeria’s situation appears more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reportedly affected.

“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities,” she said.

Security agency warns of wider societal risks

The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, cautioned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security threats if not addressed early.

Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he emphasised the need for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses to prevent escalation.

Federal Government reiterates policy commitment

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling bullying through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustine Udo said the policy provides a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement, urging stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical implementation.

She called for stronger reporting mechanisms and increased empathy among students, teachers, and parents.

The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures across schools.

Experts push for system-wide action

Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said data shows bullying is widespread, with about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 affected, while as many as 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both.

She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but warned that policy design alone is insufficient without full system-level implementation across schools nationwide.

Ilori also called for coordinated action across all 774 local government areas, urging students to speak up and avoid silence when facing bullying.

International Alert calls for practical interventions

Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.

Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness creation to actionable policy solutions.

He noted that bullying is not limited to schools but also exists in workplaces, sports, and leadership spaces, describing it as a broader societal challenge.

Udo said the organisation is working with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs, where students are trained in conflict resolution and the psychological impact of bullying.

He added that safe reporting systems are also being developed to ensure victims can report incidents before they escalate.

At the end of the dialogue, organisers said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen government engagement on anti-bullying interventions nationwide.

Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

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