A member of the National Assembly, Sen. Shehu Sani, has called for a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy to redefine its focus and position on regional and global issues.
Speaking at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, Sani said that the country needed a foreign policy that documented its position on critical, especially on political dynamics and conflicts around the world.
He said the country’s foreign policy required a review that would define its positions on issues that bordered on the continent and beyond
“What is Nigeria’s foreign policy as regards the issue of Israel and Palestine? That should be defined in unambiguous and unmistakable terms.
“What is our position on NATO? What is our position on even the dispute in South China Sea? What is our position when it comes to what is happening in the Middle East today?
“ What is our position with regard to our relationship with Central Europe and Central East Asia?
“We should have defined positions which we will now say this is where we are on issues and this is where we stand on issues.
“Nigeria foreign policy now needs a review, not a review that will depart from our traditional positions on issues in Africa.
“We need a review that will enhance Nigeria’s definition and unmistakable position on issues that border on the continent and beyond,’’ he said.
The lawmaker, who the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, decried Nigeria’s existing foreign policy, saying that it was largely geared toward its active involvement in search for peace and stability in Africa.
“Apart from the focus on Africa, we don’t have a clearly defined foreign policy that clearly re-establishes or pronounces our position on issues beyond the continent.
“That is the challenge at this very time.
“In a recent retreat organized by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was that intelligent and academic commitment to finding a foreign policy document for Nigeria,’’ he said. (NAN)