In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's international security partnerships, a federal lawmaker has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the appointment of retired military officers as ambassadors. The proposal aims to leverage their battlefield expertise for critical defence negotiations abroad.
Strategic Call for Security-Focused Diplomacy
On Monday, December 1, Honourable Abdussamad Dasuki, representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency in Sokoto State, issued a press statement making this strategic appeal. Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives, argued that Nigeria's current security challenges necessitate a fundamental shift in its diplomatic posturing.
He emphasized that the nation is endowed with a wealth of retired military officers who have undergone extensive strategic, tactical, and operational training. According to Dasuki, these individuals possess invaluable practical insight from high-level operations and years of accumulated battlefield experience.
Why Retired Officers Are Deemed Crucial Envoys
The lawmaker's proposal specifically targets ambassadorial postings to nations where Nigeria seeks military support, arms procurement, and enhanced defence cooperation. He stated that such appointments would be pivotal in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
"These officers possess the competence and practical insight needed to represent the country effectively," Dasuki said. "Deploying them to mission-critical nations where defence cooperation and arms acquisition are central to national security objectives will strengthen Nigeria’s position abroad."
He further explained that retired senior military personnel have served with distinction and their firsthand understanding of modern warfare, counterterrorism strategies, and defence procurement puts them in a unique position to advance national interests. Their role would extend beyond diplomacy to providing the government with informed, experience-based strategic advice during negotiations for essential hardware like modern reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs.
Aligning Foreign Policy with National Security Realities
While acknowledging that ambassadorial appointments are the President's constitutional prerogative, Dasuki stressed that the dire security situation demands an extraordinary strategic alignment. He pointed out that insecurity has been Nigeria's most pressing challenge for over two decades, with killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks reaching unacceptable levels.
"Nigeria’s foreign policy must reflect the nation’s strategic needs," he asserted, "especially in appointing envoys to countries where military and security cooperation is a priority." He believes that assigning officers with deep operational experience to these posts would better position Nigeria to pursue strategic defence goals, strengthen international partnerships, and secure vital equipment and intelligence.
This call for a security-centric diplomatic corps comes amid broader scrutiny of ambassadorial appointments. The proposal by Rep. Dasuki presents a focused argument for leveraging Nigeria's military expertise in its foreign service to directly confront the nation's existential security threats.
