FG to reintroduce undersecretaries in foreign policy administration

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has announced that the country has completed its plans to select undersecretaries as part of its foreign policy.

Tuggar added that only a strong constitutional governance base, robust democratic institutions, and an alliance of democratic nations in the area could effectively combat the threat to peace posed by terrorism and separatist movements in the Sahel.

According to the Minister, preparations are in place to bring back undersecretaries so that the federal government can carry out President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy objective.

At the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) Annual Lecture on Thursday in Abuja, Tuggar revealed this while delivering a speech titled “The Foreign Policy Agenda under the Tinubu Administration.”

He clarified that a technology-driven foreign affairs ministry with the right amount of bureaucracy might achieve tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy goals: democracy, diaspora, demography, and development, according to a report published by The Conclave.

The Minister noted that: “None of these (4Ds) will be possible without reforming our workplace – the Ministry – into a technology-driven environment with the right bureaucracy to achieve our smart objectives.

“The reform is already in place and we are improving the working terms and conditions of the ministry’s staff.”

Tuggar said: “We also intend to bring back the system of undersecretaries in the New Year, with the return of several senior ambassadors.”

He emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives remain intact and are enshrined in the country’s constitution.

“With regards to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, they exist and remain immovable because they are enshrined in our constitution.

“They are: to promote and protect Nigeria’s national interest, to promote African integration and support African unity, promote international co-operation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among all nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda that catalogued President Bola Tinubu’s promises to Nigerians during the Presidential campaign further elucidated three objectives: to protect against all forms of external aggression; promote the best possible outcomes for Nigeria in all engagements with other nations; improve Nigeria’s standing and dignity among the comity of nations,” he said.

The minister commented on the recent coup d’etat in West Africa, stating that the belief that military regimes are better equipped to combat terrorists and separatists is false.

The minister stressed that soldiers are more likely to turn their weapons against each other in their fight for control of the capital city, rather than against terrorists.

He said: “This leaves the periphery and border areas more at the mercy of non-state actors, creating more insecurity and instability to neighbouring countries and the region as a whole.”

The Minister pointed out that numerous counter coups have taken place in West Africa, with possibly more to come.

He cited specific instances and mentioned that the Burkina Faso government presently only controls less than 40% of its territory.

He emphasized that as Africa’s largest democracy and the current Chair of ECOWAS, it is Nigeria’s duty to join forces with other democracies and constitutional governments to put an end to this dangerous trend.

“Nigeria and ECOWAS’s role in the successful elections in Liberia and President George Weah’s noble concession is an indication of what can be achieved through Diplomacy. But the Democracy in 4-D also calls for Democracy in global organisations and institutions that remain exclusive clubs under sketchy criteria.” He added.

During his speech, President ARCAN, John Shinkaiye emphasized the importance of formulating and implementing a sound foreign policy for the country.

He highlighted that the decisions taken in this area of governance have significant implications not only for Nigeria, but also for the West Africa region, the African continent, and even beyond