The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to ECOWAS member states to prioritise security cooperation with their host countries toward enhancing regional security.

She made this known at a one-day strategic retreat organised by the ministry for Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to West African countries on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The minister also urged the envoys to bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional hegemon, as well as the anchor for West African integration and security.

Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu also directed them to work closely with their host authorities to enhance intelligence sharing.

She further urged them to strengthen cross-border security mechanisms to combat smuggling and trafficking, adding that a secure West Africa was a prerequisite for a secure Nigeria.

“In addition, you must prioritise security cooperation. No nation can defeat the current security threats alone,” she said.

The minister also urged them to be deliberate about citizen diplomacy in their host countries, adding that the protection of Nigerian citizens’ rights and welfare was non-negotiable.

“Your embassies must become safe havens and efficient service centres. Engage the Nigerian diaspora as partners in development, not just as subjects of consular care.

“You bear the weight of our nation’s historic regional responsibility. Nigeria’s greatness must be reflected in the quality of your representation,” the minister said.

She explained that this had become imperative due to the foundational framework of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which prioritises national interest within ever-expanding geographical tiers.

According to the minister, West Africa forms the critical, non-negotiable first concentric circle of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which makes it the primary priority for sub-regional integration and security.

Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “Nigeria’s commitment to West Africa is absolute and unwavering. The sub-region is the primary ring of our foreign policy engagements.

“Your postings are not routine diplomatic assignments, they are strategic deployments to the frontline of our national interest. You are the faces of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in the sub-region.”

She described challenges facing Nigeria’s neighbouring countries as multifaceted.

“Nigeria is witnessing severe threats to democratic governance across West Africa, in addition to unconstitutional changes of government that have strained regional cohesion.

“The bond of brotherhood that hitherto characterised ECOWAS must be restored and the exception to unconstitutional change of government must be upheld,” she said.

The minister, therefore, urged the envoys-designate to prioritise the promotion of democratic stability, stressing that Nigeria stood firmly against any unconstitutional takeover of power.

She urged the envoys to engage their host governments toward strengthening democratic institutions, championing the rule of law, human rights and good governance.

“You must aggressively pursue economic diplomacy,” she emphasised.

She emphasised that regional integration was meaningless without robust intra-African trade and advised them to actively dismantle all non-tariff barriers facing Nigerian businesses.

“Promote partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, energy and digital technology.

“Bring West African investments home, and take Nigerian innovation to the region,”  Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu added. 

(NAN)