Domestic competence, Nigeria’s most important foreign policy, Ezekwesili tells leaders

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday said Nigeria’s most consequential foreign policy should be built on strong domestic governance rather than frequent foreign trips by public officials.

Ezekwesili stated that every serious political and policy leader understands that effective governance at home remains the foundation of respect and influence abroad.

According to her, Nigeria’s persistent governance failures have continued to expose citizens living in other countries to indignities and discriminatory treatment.

She argued that the country’s numerous internal challenges must be competently addressed within Nigeria, stressing that solutions to national problems cannot be found in foreign capitals.

The former minister said the international community would not take seriously leaders who embark on repeated foreign travels while leaving unresolved crises and poor governance at home.

She maintained that when leaders govern ethically, competently and with clear purpose, no foreign country would dare mistreat Nigerian citizens.

Ezekwesili added that strategic travel can be a useful instrument of diplomacy and global influence only when it is backed by credible domestic performance.

She, however, criticised what she described as perennial foreign trips undertaken merely for symbolism and public relations.

Reiterating her position, she said domestic competence remains the most important foreign policy any nation can project.

Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the balance between international engagements and governance priorities at home.