15th June, 2015
Some Abuja residents have urged the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to pursue a foreign policy that would ensure that Nigeria’s foreign mission did more to promote Nigeria’s export potential.
They told NAN on Monday that the foreign policy should also encourage direct foreign investment.
According to them, the foreign policy thrust should also focus on achieving debt rescheduling with a view to building a stronger national economy.
Mr Alfred Nkemmefuna, a civil servant, said present administration should embark on a foreign policy that would not only increase resources in Nigeria but that reduce poverty nationwide.
He said the Federal Government should come up with a policy that would promote export, and attract investment from abroad.
Mr Olufemi Babatunde said the Federal Government should partner with friendly countries to ensure that hard drugs and other goods inimical to the nation’s and image wellbeing did not find their way into Nigeria.
Mr Dimas Isuwa, a civil servant, said the new administration should continue to make Africa the centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“Charity begins at home. Any Nigerian foreign policy that does take this into consideration will fall short of expectations of Nigerians,” he said.
He called on the National Assembly to, through relevant legislative instruments, ensure that Buhari allowed his Foreign Affairs Minister to be truly in charge of foreign relations.
Another respondent who pleaded anonymity urged Buhari to appoint a competent, brilliant and visionary person to run the ministry of foreign affairs.
He said Nigeria should take a cue from many countries where career diplomats were in charge of the ministries of foreign affairs.