By: News Peddlers
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| Prof. Adewunmi Falode |
A Professor of International relations, Adewunmi Falode in Lagos State University, LASU, has stressed the need for the Federal Government to prioritise good policy execution in Nigeria's international relations.
Falode emphasised the importance of recognising and clarifying the country's national interests as a first step towards developing a strong foreign policy.
"The greatest mistake is prescribing; you don't prescribe, You can't have a good foreign policy if you can't articulate your national interests," he said.
"When we know our national interest, then we deploy an approach to achieve this national interest, focusing on the things that will make Nigeria great."
Professor Falode advocated that Nigeria withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasising the importance of prioritising and safeguarding the nation's interests.
He emphasised that a solid understanding of Nigeria's national interests would allow for more effective use of skills and resources.
Security, economic development, and national integration, according to the distinguished scholar, are critical components that will help Nigeria's advancement.
He emphasised the significance of prioritising the preservation of these variables and the importance of understanding that in international relations, interest takes precedence over altruistic endeavours.
Falode viewed foreign policy as an instrument with a definite goal when describing its aim.
He said, "If you don't know what it is used for, it becomes useless."
He went on to say that unless there is a clear definition of national interest, the people will suffer. As a result, he advised that Nigeria define its interests and employ suitable methods.
As the discussion over Nigeria's foreign policy continues, it is critical that the Federal Government heed the counsel of experts like Professor Falode, and assuring a well-defined and meticulously implemented approach that promotes the nation's interests and produces practical results.