Akume: Tinubu rebuilding global confidence in Nigeria
Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu administration is rebuilding international confidence in Nigeria through economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships and stronger regional cooperation. Akume
Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu administration is rebuilding international confidence in Nigeria through economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships and stronger regional cooperation.
Akume spoke yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of a book: Fragments of Time: My Foreign Service Years,” a memoir authored by veteran diplomat, Eineje Onobu.
Represented by Prof Babatunde Bolaji, Akume described the event as more than a book launch but a celebration of Nigeria’s diplomatic history, institutional memory and commitment to national service.
He said the memoir chronicled Nigeria’s diplomatic journey and highlighted the sacrifice made by diplomats in protecting the country’s image and strategic interests.
“Eineje Onobu’s memoir captures decades of Nigeria’s diplomatic journey and reflects the dedication of men and women who worked to uphold the image, sovereignty and interests of our nation in the international community,” he said.
Akume praised the foreign policy direction of the administration, noting Nigeria had continued to pursue purposeful international engagement anchored on economic diplomacy and regional stability.
“Under leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s foreign policy has continued to witness purposeful engagement anchored on economic diplomacy, regional stability, strategic partnerships and renewed international confidence in Nigeria,” he said, noting the administration has projected Nigeria as “a responsible and influential leader on the African continent”.
He added Tinubu’s foreign policy thrust was focused on strengthening cooperation through ECOWAS and AU, promoting peace and democratic governance in Africa, attracting foreign direct investment and deepening relations.
The SGF said Federal Government was also repositioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for trade, innovation and economic growth.
“It is fitting we gather today to honour Eneje Onobu, whose career contributed to the shaping and strengthening of Nigeria’s foreign relations in decades,” he said.
“I laud the author for documenting these experiences with clarity, patriotism and historic depth. In preserving these memories, Onobu has not only chronicled personal experiences but has also contributed significantly to the preservation of Nigeria’s foreign policy history.”
Also, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture, including the establishment of a Foreign Service Commission.
Chairing the event, Nwachukwu warned that continued politicisation of ambassadorial appointments and weak institutional structures were undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness.
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“It is time to establish a Foreign Service Commission that will ensure only the best minds enter the service and are properly groomed to represent Nigeria as ambassadors across the world,” he said.
Nwachukwu noted that career diplomats were increasingly sidelined in ambassadorial appointments, with many officers retiring without attaining the peak of their profession.
“Today, that balance has collapsed. It is disheartening for officers who dedicate decades to service yet never get the opportunity to serve as ambassadors,” he said.
The former minister recalled that during his tenure as foreign affairs minister, Nigeria maintained a 70-30 ratio between career and political ambassadors to preserve professionalism and institutional memory.
He proposed an 80-20 formula in favour of career diplomats to strengthen efficiency in Nigeria’s missions abroad.
