Vice President calls for renewed confidence in Nigeria’s foreign relations
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian missions across the world to project a positive and confident image of the nation, counter misinformation, and serve as drivers of economic diplomacy.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) in Abuja, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions and rebuilding its global reputation.
Represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Vice President said the ceremony marked a significant milestone for Nigeria’s diplomatic corps as 169 officers officially joined the nation’s Foreign Service. He praised the academy for its continued commitment to excellence in training but expressed regret over the years of neglect the institution has suffered.
Diplomats charged to defend Nigeria’s integrity
Addressing the new diplomats, Shettima urged them to carry out their duties with patriotism and integrity, emphasizing that every envoy must serve as a representative of Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations.
“You must debunk false narratives at every opportunity,” he said. “There are ongoing campaigns against the Nigerian state, particularly allegations of religious persecution. You must remember the sections of our Constitution—10, 38, and 42—which prohibit a state religion, guarantee freedom of worship, and outlaw religious or ethnic discrimination.”
The Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s diplomatic service must play a central role in defending the nation’s democratic and constitutional values on the global stage.
Renewing Nigeria’s foreign policy through training and technology
Shettima explained that the Federal Government is working to modernize the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and make it more responsive to global realities. As part of this reform, the Ministry has created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy.”
He also announced an ongoing review of the Foreign Service Academy’s curriculum to ensure it meets contemporary diplomatic needs. The government, he said, is committed to restoring the academy’s permanent site in Badagry, Lagos, through strategic partnerships and improved funding.
“The neglect of our Foreign Service Academy mirrors the declining role of diplomacy in governance,” Shettima said. “Our mission is to revive the culture of statecraft, strengthen institutional capacity, and equip our diplomats to perform and compete globally in the 21st century.”
Emphasizing strategic autonomy and regional leadership
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, Shettima urged Nigeria’s envoys to embrace “strategic autonomy” — a balanced approach that avoids over-alignment with any major global power.
“Over-alignment creates unnecessary threats in our region,” he warned. “We must focus on issue-based relationships defined by our national interests rather than ideological alignments.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa through the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), an initiative aimed at promoting democratic institutions and regional stability.
Calls for reforms and stronger institutional support
The Vice President further revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun reviewing its Station Charters to set new performance benchmarks aligned with modern diplomatic demands. He called on the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Foreign Service Commission Bill, which would strengthen the institutional framework of Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
At the event, the Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Mr. Chimezie Okeoma Ogu, commended the graduating officers for their perseverance and dedication. He described the academy as “the cradle of Nigerian diplomacy” and appealed for greater government attention to address infrastructural and funding challenges.
“Our curriculum covers diplomacy, international relations, law, strategic studies, and now includes artificial intelligence and public speaking,” Ogu said. “We must sustain continuous professional training to maintain global standards.”
Intelligence community pledges support for diplomacy
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, applauded the graduates for their resilience throughout the nine-month program. He reaffirmed the NIA’s commitment to working closely with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and security coordination abroad.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a new book titled Threats of a Diplomat, written by one of the graduating officers. The book explores lessons learned during the training and the evolving challenges faced by diplomats in an increasingly complex international environment.
