By Sabi’u Zaranda
On his first day of assumption of office at the Tafawa Balewa Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately after his inauguration as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar hit the ground running with the unveiling of his 4Ds Diplomacy Policy which foregrounds the foreign policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. The strategy which focuses on Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora is also known as the Tinubu Doctrine.
Nigeria’s economic growth and security are tied to global economic stability and peace; it suffices to say that Nigeria does not exist in isolation. And because we are impacted by global events directly or indirectly, Nigeria must strive to adopt strategies that will enable her to navigate her way through the odds posed by unfavourable circumstances in the world to define her fortunes amidst the comity of nations. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will forever be acknowledged and appreciated for laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s socioeconomic prosperity. Equally, it is significant to note the strategic role played by Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar was Nigeria’s Envoy to Germany, which contributed to the achievements of the President Buhari administration.
Some of the Development projects attracted to Nigeria as a result of Amb. Tuggar’s economic diplomacy while serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany includes the Siemens AG Electricity Project, and the Kano-Maradi, Kano-Duste Railway Projects, among others. He also facilitated partnerships between Nigerian establishments and foreign investors which led to the signing of several MOUs such as the Volkswagen of Germany and the National Automotive Design and Development Council, The German African Business Association and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and Petkus Technologie GmbH, among many others.
It was during his reign as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany that the first ever Nigerian Cultural Day celebration was organized in the city of Berlin to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and industry of Nigeria. The event was organized in furtherance of the Diaspora thrust of the 4Ds foreign policy. The event provided an opportunity to showcase Nigerian arts, literature, music, fashion, and food to the world. Ambassador Tuggar’s cultural diplomacy facilitated the repatriation of cultural artifacts such as the Benin Bronze to Nigeria.
Democracy is central to the attainment of sustainable development and good governance both locally and internationally hence it is a key component of the 4Ds foreign policy strategy.It serves as the inroad to Nigeria’s engagement with international organizations in fostering democracy and accountability in decisions and global decisions regarding economy, peace, and security. This has been demonstrated by Nigeria’s call for a reform of the United Nations Security Council and her inclusion into the decision body of the UN as Africa’s largest democracy and country.
Finally, the Demographic component of the 4Ds policy strategy recognizes Nigeria’s large youth population as a catalyst for sustainable development, and it also seeks to leverage the skills of its citizens for knowledge transfer and investment. It also involves building partnerships for the realization of economic growth and industrialization.
In conclusion, the Tinubu Doctrine is a viable foreign policy that sets a clear agenda of H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar’s diplomatic vision of Nigeria under President Tinubu’s administration. It is a policy vision that is backed by proven data of impact as can be testified to by the success stories recorded under the President Buhari administration under Ambassador Tuggar’s stewardship. Thus, with the right support, it will certainly multiply the gains for Nigeria’s overall socioeconomic advancement and reputation among the international community.