NIGERIA’S GREAT RESET: Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of Nigeria's Great Reset explores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's foreign policy and its impact on diplomatic influence and international partnerships. Tinubu's foreign policy is organized around four pillars: Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy. These pillars serve to guide the country's international relations and aim to translate foreign policy into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

Tinubu's foreign policy has seen significant investment diplomacy across various global regions, including India, China, the Gulf, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. While these partnerships have been announced, they are not yet translated into actual investments, employment, or productive capital. Notable examples include the UK State Visit in March 2026, which produced agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and culture, as well as a £746 million financing arrangement for port refurbishments in Nigeria.

Africa remains central to Nigeria's global ambition. Tinubu's leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) coincided with military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, highlighting the challenges and limitations of regional leadership. Tinubu's 2025 visit to Saint Lucia strengthened Nigeria's connections to the Caribbean and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, fostering cooperation across various sectors, including education, tourism, culture, health, trade, and technology.

Nigeria's admission to BRICS in January 2025 represents strategic diversification, as the country seeks to expand relationships with China, India, Brazil, Türkiye, and the Gulf. This reflects a departure from solely relying on traditional Western relationships. Nigeria's support for Africa's demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council also underscores its commitment to regional leadership and the need for reform in the UN Security Council.

Criticism has arisen over President Tinubu's absence from three consecutive UN General Assemblies, with some questioning the need for the President to attend personally. While the UN Charter does not require attending heads of state, the absence of the President has generated political debate. Critics argue that presidential attendance offers visibility and direct engagement with world leaders, while opponents question whether this frequent attendance has yielded significant benefits for Nigerians.

The true measure of diplomatic success lies in the outcomes achieved through the delegation, rather than the physical presence of the President.