President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says rapid shifts in global politics, technology and the economy are reshaping international relations and forcing Nigeria to rethink how it engages with the world.
Speaking on Monday at the induction programme for newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the President highlighted a fast-changing global environment defined by uncertainty and structural transformation.
The President, represented by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, pointed to multiple global pressures influencing diplomatic engagement, including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, technological disruption, climate challenges and emerging security risks.
Tinubu stressed that technological disruption has become a major force shaping global affairs, alongside other structural changes affecting how countries compete, cooperate and project influence.
“The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” he says.
Tinubu stressed that technological disruption has become a major force shaping global affairs, alongside other structural changes affecting how countries compete, cooperate and project influence.
According to the President, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions must respond by adopting more modern approaches that combine traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public communication and strategic messaging.
He also emphasised the need for Nigeria to strengthen how it communicates its progress and policies internationally, particularly in a more competitive global information space.
He urged envoys to take a more active role in promoting investment, trade and partnerships that support technology transfer and economic development.
Tinubu further underlined the importance of protecting Nigerians living abroad, describing diaspora welfare as a central pillar of foreign policy.
In a significant policy adjustment, he announced a restructuring of Nigeria’s 4D foreign policy framework, originally anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
The priorities, Tinubu said, have now been reordered to Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
“This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit,” he said.
The President also urged the new envoys to uphold professionalism, discipline and accountability in their duties, noting that their performance would be assessed based on clear outcomes.
He encouraged them to fully engage in the induction programme designed to prepare them for the demands of modern diplomacy.
“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” the President added.
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