Abuja – Experts in policy making have lauded the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Presidential Advisory Council to review the country’s foreign policy.

Speaking with the  in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr Joseph Golwa, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said there was the need to review the policy.

Describing the directive as apt and proper, Golwa said the review would provide a clear leadership direction for the new administration.

According to him, given Nigeria’s present role in the international community, the community was expecting a lot from the country.

“I use the word apt and timely because it’s to provide the clear direction for the new cabinet on what they are expected to focus on as far as our foreign policy is concerned.

“The international community is expecting to have some major positions from Nigeria and this statement coming like this shows that yes, they would begin to have at the back of their minds that we are a expecting a very major, proactive position as far as foreign policy is concerned from Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed the need for key players in the sector to work in harmony for the successful implementation of the policy.

“Every policy will require the harmonious cooperation of every stakeholder for it to be successfully implemented and with issues of foreign policies you don’t expect anybody to play a different role if you are a major stakeholder.

“The co-operation of every other person is necessary because it is through such cooperation and shared views you will be able to get to achieve your objectives and mission,” he added.

Golwa said the policy should be reviewed periodically, saying that it would help Nigeria in its peace-keeping operations in foreign countries.

On his part, the Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Mr Sule Bassi, also commended the president for initiating a review of the foreign policy.

“Foreign policies revolve round sustainable development, economically, socially and politically,” Bassi said.

He further suggested that proper focus on the policy should be understood for implementation which he said would involve fund and strategy.

Jonathan on Monday called for a review of the country’s foreign policy.

He said that it was in line with “modern realities and international developments” and would strengthen international and economic relations. (NAN)