Ambassador Gani Lawal, the President of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize national interest in Nigeria’s foreign policy, considering the benefits it can bring to the country in the modern era.
Ambassador Lawal made this call during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the Association’s fifth Annual Lecture, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria.
He highlighted that foreign policy is a reflection of internal policy and is greatly impacted by the ever-evolving dynamics of the external environment.
According to the Ambassador, “It is expected that a nation will weave its national interest around the weight of its Military industrial complex and natural resources to earn a favorable comparable edge in the global intercourse.”
Ambassador Gani Lawal, President of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN), emphasized the importance of aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy with its national interest, particularly focusing on building a robust economic foundation and combating insurgency and terrorism.
He also commended Nigeria’s principled stance on denouncing military coups and undemocratic changes of government across Africa.
The Association’s upcoming Annual Lecture, titled “Examining the Nexus between Foreign Policy Goals and Democratic Governance,” aims to provide insights from experienced diplomats and statesmen who have been instrumental in governance and diplomacy for many years.
AFRPN, comprising serving and retired career diplomats, ambassadors, scholars, and researchers in foreign policy and international relations, envisions working closely with decision-makers to elevate Nigeria and Africa’s position as a prominent and respected voice on the global stage.
In addition, the association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a seasoned diplomat as Minister of Foreign Affairs, recognizing the need for professional leadership in the ministry to strengthen Nigeria’s position at the international level.
