…Urges Tinubu to appoint more career diplomats

***Warns Against Politicisation Of Ambassadorial Appointments

• As Lamido emphasised national identity and inclusive governance as key pillars of effective diplomacy

***SGF Reaffirms Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Direction as Akume Unveils Diplomatic Memoir

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- FORMER Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu, rtd has called for the establishment of foreign service commission as part of reforms in Nigeria’s foreign service architecture to strengthen professionalism and institutional stability.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of a memoir titled “Fragments of Time: My Foreign Service Years,” by Eineje Onobu where diplomats, policymakers, and scholars gathered to reflect on Nigeria’s diplomatic evolution, Nwachukwu expressed concern over the increasing appointment of non-career ambassadors, warning that the trend is undermining morale and limiting career progression for professional diplomats.

According to Nwachukwu who was the Chairman of the event, the imbalance has created a bottleneck that prevents young officers from rising to the peak of their careers despite years of service, adding, “We must establish a Foreign Service Commission to institutionalise best practices, protect the integrity of the service, and ensure that career diplomats are given a fair opportunity to grow.”

According to him, strengthening institutional structures will enhance continuity in foreign policy execution and improve Nigeria’s global standing.

“There has to be a deliberate effort to restore balance – retain institutional memory, reward professionalism, and ensure continuity in policy execution,” he continued. “Our officers represent Nigeria in difficult environments. They deserve adequate support, not constraints that limit their effectiveness.”

Nwachukwu who criticised the increasing preference for political appointees over career diplomats, noting that merit and experience are often sidelined, said, “We have a situation where political considerations override competence. That is not sustainable for a serious country,” he stated, warning that the trend is affecting morale within the foreign service and limiting opportunities for career advancement.

“It is disheartening that dedicated officers who have spent years in service find it difficult to attain the highest levels of their profession because of the growing number of non-career ambassadorial appointments.

“Career officers spend decades building expertise, only to be overlooked. We must not sacrifice professionalism on the altar of patronage,” he added.

To address the imbalance, Nwachukwu called for a return to the traditional ratio of ambassadorial appointments.

“We must return to the 80–20 ratio. That way, we can motivate our young men and women in the service and ensure that merit and experience are rewarded,” he said.

Also speaking, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, emphasised national identity and inclusive governance as key pillars of effective diplomacy.

Lamido emphasised the importance of national pride, inclusiveness, and cultural identity in shaping Nigeria’s international engagement.

Recounting his experience in office, he said he assumed duty without prior technocratic background, which initially created a disconnect between him and career civil servants.

“When I became minister, I had no prior experience or exposure. Many of the senior officials were technocrats, and there was a clear gap in orientation and understanding.
“They saw me as different—someone coming from outside their system. I had to find a way to bridge that gap and make them understand my vision,” he recounted.

Lamido who explained that he addressed the disconnect by exposing officials to grassroots realities, said, “I took them to my village so they could see where I come from and understand the real Nigeria—the original Nigeria beyond offices and protocols.

“Nigeria is a mix of the rich and the poor, the urban and the rural. That is the true Nigerian identity I wanted them to see and appreciate.”

He stressed that Nigeria must engage the global community with dignity and confidence because “we may not be the richest country, but we must carry ourselves with honour, integrity, and character.

“Nigeria must engage the world on the basis of equality,” he stated. “I do not believe in being patronised or looked down upon. Nigeria is a sovereign nation with history and pride, and we must assert that in all our engagements.”

While acknowledging the role of technocrats, Lamido maintained that leadership requires decisive action.
“Experts provide guidance, but leadership must make decisions. At times, I had to assert my position to achieve what I believed was right,” he noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ambassador Godknows Igali who underscored the importance of documentation in preserving Nigeria’s diplomatic history and institutional memory, said, “This is a coming together of a family the family of Nigeria’s foreign service, people deeply committed to projecting Nigeria’s image globally.”

He described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s diplomatic record, while commending Ambassador Nwobu, who he described as a “diplomat’s diplomat,” for his extensive service.

“This is not just a memoir; it is a chronicle of Nigeria’s diplomacy. It provides insight into how policies were formulated and how our engagements on the global stage have evolved,” Igali stated.

“He represents the finest traditions of our diplomatic service—a diplomat’s diplomat who has contributed immensely to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy,” he said.

Igali who noted that diplomacy is often conducted discreetly, making such documentation essential, said, “Much of diplomacy happens behind closed doors—through quiet negotiations and confidential communications. As a result, many important experiences are never documented.

He described the memoir as a landmark work.
“For anyone seeking to understand Nigeria’s diplomatic journey over the past fifty years, this book is an invaluable resource,” he added.

Describing the book as a magnum opus, Igali said the work captures over five decades of diplomatic engagement, originally spanning about a thousand pages before being refined into a 655-page publication for accessibility.

“For anyone seeking to understand Nigeria’s diplomatic journey over the past fifty years, this book is an invaluable resource,” he noted.

The Chairman further said the publication marks a shift from the traditional culture of anonymity in diplomacy, providing an opportunity for younger diplomats and scholars to learn from real-life experiences.

“Today, we are opening up. The author is sharing how diplomacy was conducted, ensuring that future generations can learn from these experiences,” he said.

Igali also urged other senior diplomats to emulate the initiative by documenting their own contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy development.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting the event and reiterated the collective commitment of the diplomatic community to advancing Nigeria’s global interests.

“Diplomacy is not the exclusive preserve of career diplomats; it is important to all Nigerians. Together, we must continue to support the Ministry in promoting our national interest,” he concluded.

The event drew diplomats, policymakers, and stakeholders, amid renewed calls for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy framework and enhance its global relevance.

Reviewing the book, former Minister of Aviation and Corps Marshal/Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka, and the former Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, noted that the book reflects the journey of the author through his childhood and service years as a career diplomat, adding that it provides all that is needed to reform Nigeria’s “dysfunctional” public sector.

“I recommend this book for people who want to know how this country was when it was functional,” Chidoka said.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and diplomatic engagement as part of efforts to advance national development and global relevance.

Akume who was represented at the event by his Senior Technical Adviser, Babatunde Bernard, described the occasion as a celebration of diplomacy, institutional memory, and dedicated public service.

“It is indeed an honour for me to be present at this public presentation and unveiling of Fragments of Time: My Foreign Service Years, the memoirs of Ambassador Eneze E. Onobulu, a distinguished patriot, seasoned diplomat, and worthy ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
The SGF noted that the book launch goes beyond literary celebration, describing it as a reflection of decades of diplomatic service and Nigeria’s evolving engagement with the international community.
“Today’s event is not merely a book presentation. It is a celebration of service, diplomacy, institutional memory, and commitment to nation-building,” he said.

Akume further highlighted the foreign policy direction of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stating that it is anchored on economic diplomacy, regional stability, and strategic international partnerships.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s foreign policy has continued to witness purposeful engagement anchored on economic diplomacy, regional stability, strategic partnerships, and renewed international confidence,” he said.

He added that the administration has continued to position Nigeria as a key player in continental and global affairs through active participation in regional institutions such as ECOWAS and the African Union.

“The President’s foreign policy thrust is firmly rooted in strengthening regional cooperation, promoting peace and democratic governance, attracting foreign investment, and repositioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for trade and innovation,” he noted.

Akume also paid tribute to Ambassador Onobu, describing his diplomatic career as one that contributed significantly to shaping Nigeria’s foreign relations over several decades.
He praised the memoir as a valuable contribution to historical documentation and policy reflection.
“In preserving these memories, Ambassador Onobu has not only chronicled personal experiences but has also contributed to the preservation of Nigeria’s diplomatic heritage,” he stated.

In his remarks, the author, Onobu, reflected on the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy, highlighting the role of leadership, institutional reforms and strategic vision in shaping the country’s diplomatic trajectory.

He recounted his early career beginning in 1985 at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York, where he worked closely with Remy Hanson, before returning to Nigeria to serve under former Foreign Affairs Minister, Bolaji Akinyemi.

“How he discovered me, I would not know. But he asked me to join him. I spent two years working closely with him across the world on key foreign policy initiatives,” he noted.

Onobu also credited Nwachukwu with influencing his rise in the diplomatic service.

“From the very first day, he told me I would become an ambassador. I didn’t believe it, but he insisted—and he made it happen,” he recounted.

“Not only did he support my appointment, but he also ensured I was posted to a strategic country. I served there for seven years and became Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,” he said.