Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Diaspora Power Take Centre Stage as Diplomatic Digest Marks 5th Anniversary in Abuja

By Caroline Ameh 

Nigeria’s strategic foreign policy agenda, regional leadership in West Africa, and rising influence within global diplomacy were in sharp focus on Thursday as Diplomatic Digest magazine marked its 5th Anniversary with a high-level lecture, award ceremony, and dinner in Abuja.
The event brought together top-ranking diplomats, members of the diplomatic corps, international development experts, government officials, and award recipients from across the continent and the diaspora, in celebration of five years of Diplomatic Digest’s contribution to foreign policy journalism and international advocacy.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, presented a speech titled: “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy in Action: Strategic Engagements for Regional Stability and Global Relevance.”
Tuggar’s address detailed Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is guided by a four-point doctrine: Democracy, Development, Demography, and the Diaspora—collectively known as the 4Ds.

“Nigeria has embraced a forward-looking and principle-based foreign policy that seeks peace, prosperity, and partnerships,” the Minister said. “From regional diplomacy in ECOWAS to global economic realignment through BRICS, our approach is focused, strategic, and grounded in national interest.”
As Chair of ECOWAS, President Tinubu’s leadership in addressing the political crisis in Niger Republic was cited as a case study in balanced diplomacy. Tuggar noted that Nigeria championed constitutional governance while leading with diplomacy—blending sanctions with humanitarian support such as fuel aid convoys and border reopening initiatives.

Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Early Warning Mechanism, regional security architecture, and cross-border energy interconnectivity was also emphasized as part of its stabilizing role in West Africa.
In 2024, Nigeria initiated the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)—a multilateral alliance with ECOWAS states and development partners focused on strengthening democratic institutions, civic space, and the rule of law in transitional democracies.

Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s success in attracting over $50 billion in foreign investment pledges from global strategic missions led by President Tinubu over the past two years. Partnerships have been forged in energy, infrastructure, fintech, creative economy, and security, with landmark agreements signed in China, India, and France.

On Nigeria’s recent bid to join BRICS, the Minister noted that the move is rooted in the pursuit of strategic autonomy and inclusion in the global financial and economic decision-making platforms that reflect the aspirations of the Global South.

He also announced the expansion of diaspora-focused initiatives such as the $10 billion Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, which aims to channel remittances into national development while leveraging Nigeria’s cultural exports like Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and cuisine as tools of soft power.

In his welcome address, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest expressed gratitude to the magazine’s supporters and reflected on its journey from inception to recognition.

“Reaching five years in publishing—especially in a specialized beat like diplomacy—is no small feat,” he said. “We have remained committed to developmental journalism, truth, and agenda-setting amidst a sea of fake news and clickbait media.”
The Publisher also announced future expansion plans to establish Diplomatic Digest Television and Radio, calling on partners and the diplomatic community for support in achieving this goal.

The evening also featured a lecture by the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, who was represented by his media adviser, Nkem Ayanta-Lafia. He congratulated Diplomatic Digest on its growth, likening its fifth anniversary to a child’s transition from kindergarten to primary school.

Several individuals were honoured with the Diplomatic Leadership Award for their exceptional contributions to diplomacy and international advocacy:

Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, was recognized for her advocacy in international trade and investment. She praised Diplomatic Digest for its credible journalism and pledged continued support for national and global development initiatives.

Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Special Envoy to Ghanaian President John Mahama, delivered an emotionally resonant address, dedicating his award to his mentors including the late Jerry John Rawlings and President Mahama. He emphasized faith, peace, and unity as antidotes to global instability.

Ambassador Davisha L. Johnson, Goodwill Ambassador to the State of Georgia, USA, and Global Ambassador of the African Diaspora Collective Worldwide, was honored in absentia. Her representative, Hussain Hamzah, delivered her message. Johnson reaffirmed her deep bond with Africa, calling the continent “everything” and sharing her ongoing work to reconnect diaspora communities to the African homeland.

As the evening closed, guests were treated to the unveiling of a special commemorative edition of Diplomatic Digest. The Editor-in-Chief noted that although the magazine is still growing, its aspirations are bold.

“With your continued support, we aim to become the media platform of reference for global diplomacy across Africa,” he said. “We have only just begun.”