Tuggar Advocates Pragmatic, Ethical Diplomacy to Safeguard Nigeria’s Interests
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has strongly urged Nigeria to embrace a pragmatic and ethical approach to diplomacy as a means to protect its national interests in an increasingly complex and multipolar global environment. Delivering the inaugural lecture at the newly established Institute of Diplomatic Practice, Culture and Language Development (IDPCLD) at Achievers University in Owo, Tuggar emphasized that strategic autonomy should serve as the guiding principle for Nigeria's foreign policy moving forward.
Strategic Autonomy as a Refined Foreign Policy Direction
The lecture, titled “Strategic Autonomy as Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Direction in a Changing Global Order,” clarified that strategic autonomy does not represent a departure from Nigeria's historical non-aligned stance but rather a necessary refinement to effectively navigate contemporary geopolitical realities. Tuggar highlighted that over-alignment with external powers can expose nations to significant risks, including conflicts and economic disruptions, citing pertinent examples from regions such as the Middle East, Sudan, Libya, and West Africa.
He argued persuasively that Nigeria must actively safeguard its agency to avoid becoming collateral damage in international rivalries centered on resources and strategic influence. Tuggar reiterated that achieving strategic autonomy requires a balanced combination of pragmatism, ethical considerations, and steadfast adherence to Nigeria's core moral principles.
The Four-D Doctrine and Enhanced Diplomatic Capacity
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuggar noted that Nigeria's foreign policy is strategically structured around the Four-D Doctrine: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. This framework ensures purposeful and meaningful engagement in global affairs while simultaneously protecting and advancing national priorities. The former minister also detailed ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's capacity for anticipatory diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Key initiatives highlighted include:
- The creation of an Artificial Intelligence Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to leverage technology for diplomatic insights.
- The establishment of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) to foster democratic values across regions.
- The organization of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) to enhance economic collaboration and stability in West Africa.
University and Academic Endorsement
Welcoming Tuggar to the event, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Oyesoji Aremu, described the lecture as a critical milestone for the university's mandate to promote advanced learning in diplomatic practice, culture, and language development. He commended the dedicated efforts of Professors Omolola Irinoye and Bola A. Akinterinwa in successfully establishing the Institute.
“Selecting Ambassador Tuggar as the inaugural lecturer was not optional, but necessary, given his instrumental role in driving Nigeria’s strategic autonomy,” the Acting Vice-Chancellor stated. The event attracted a diverse audience comprising academics, foreign diplomats, university staff, and students, reflecting Achievers University's strong commitment to bridging education, diplomacy, and global engagement.
Conclusion: Nigeria's Greatest Asset
In his concluding remarks, Tuggar asserted that Nigeria's greatest asset in today's contested and dynamic global order is its ability to make independent choices, engage strategically with international partners, and leverage partnerships effectively without compromising its national interests. This approach, he emphasized, is essential for navigating the complexities of modern diplomacy and ensuring Nigeria's prosperity and security on the world stage.
