Dataphyte Rates Tinubu’s Foreign Policy High, Points Out Defects

A social impact organisation, Dataphyte Foundation, has released a report on Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu.

In a report made available to LEADERSHIP, Dataphyte noted that in his first year in office, President Tinubu, under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” has pursued three primary foreign policy objectives: protection against external aggression, promoting favourable outcomes for Nigeria, and enhancing Nigeria’s international standing.

The report further revealed that Tinubu administration has focused on ending conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, promoting sub-regional trade and infrastructure development, advocating for reforms in international trade and financial institutions, and addressing climate change impacts on Africa.

It said the administration aimed to enhance Nigeria’s leadership through initiatives like malaria elimination, fostering research collaboration, and establishing a G-5 among major African nations.

On political stability in West Africa, the report stated that: ”President Tinubu’s commitment to political stability in the region was tested by the military coup in Niger.

”As chair of ECOWAS, he supported the organization’s demands for the reinstatement of Niger’s elected president, leading to the imposition of stringent sanctions, including border closures, financial transaction suspensions, and asset freezes.

”The Alliance of Sahel states, led by military juntas from Mali and Burkina Faso, backed Niger’s military rulers, complicating the situation.

”Initially, Tinubu favoured negotiations, led by former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, which ultimately failed. This failure prompted ECOWAS to consider military intervention, despite international calls for restraint. Niger’s military rulers proposed a three-year transition plan, further escalating regional and international tensions.

”The sanctions severely impacted cross-border trade, exacerbated food insecurity, and increased smuggling and security concerns. Infrastructure projects like the Kano-Maradi railway and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline were disrupted.

”Domestically, the financial burden of potential conflict faced criticism, particularly given Nigeria’s economic struggles and democratic challenges.”

The report added that Nigeria’s domestic economic and social challenges, along with the Tinubu administration’s identity crisis, ”significantly influenced its foreign policy decisions.”

”President Tinubu’s first year saw extensive diplomatic engagement and a strong commitment to regional leadership. Efforts to attract foreign investments were notable, though the economic benefits have yet to materialize fully.

”Key lessons from Tinubu’s first year include the importance of prioritizing cooperation over conflict, enhancing national defence capabilities, and fostering regional cooperation for stability and economic well-being.

”Additionally, supporting multilateralism, strengthening the United Nations, and aligning these efforts with Nigeria’s interests are essential for addressing global challenges.

”President Tinubu’s initial year in office was marked by significant diplomatic activities and a strong regional focus.

”Moving forward, his administration must refine its foreign policy to better balance regional ambitions with domestic realities, ensuring that Nigeria remains a pivotal player on the African and global stages,” the report stated.

Dataphyte Foundation is dedicated to leveraging data tools and technology for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, and hosted a webinar on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

To evaluate the influence of President Tinubu’s foreign policy on Nigeria’s democratic growth during his first year in office, Dataphyte hosted a webinar on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

The webinar provided a platform for a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s foreign policy progress under President Tinubu administration. Discussions focused on the administration’s “Renewed Hope”, centred on the four Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.