Economic Diplomacy: Nigeria's Key to Global Influence

During a lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae stressed that economic diplomacy is Nigeria's foremost foreign policy priority, foundational to the nation's strength and global influence.

He noted that no country can achieve meaningful power without a strong economic base. Osaghae highlighted the UAE's announcement of a ₦4.5 billion investment across Africa and a renewed commitment to deepen economic ties with Nigeria, including the resumption of direct flights from the UAE to Lagos.

He argued that economic diplomacy is critical for achieving national objectives peacefully and that it involves both state and non-state actors, including influential individuals and members of the diaspora. Osaghae warned that Nigeria must strengthen its domestic capacity for negotiation to balance benefits in the global economic system.

H.E. Salim Aljaberi, the Consul General of the UAE, reiterated the importance of Nigeria as a strategic partner and discussed plans to enhance infrastructure development and investment opportunities in Nigeria.