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An Associate Professor of Diplomacy and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Dr. Henry Ogunjewo, has noted that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a global power, but must first put its domestic house in order.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 1st Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) distinguished lecture themed: “Lagos & Nigeria 2030: Projections of a World Power,” Ogunjewo, who also coordinates the Masters in Diplomatic and Strategic Studies (MDSS) program at UNILAG, stressed that Nigeria remains the “bride of the entire international system,” with both Western and Eastern powers eager to deepen engagement with the country.
“Once we get our domestic environment right -fix security troubles, tackle corruption and stabilize the economy – you will see Nigeria flying in the global space,” he declared.
According to him, Nigeria’s 105 foreign missions remain active despite the absence of substantive ambassadors in several posts, underscoring the country’s robust diplomatic tradition since independence in 1960.
He noted that while Nigeria’s foreign policy was originally Afrocentric, it has evolved into one of reciprocity, engaging any state that offers mutual benefit.
This shift, Ogunjewo said, explains Nigeria’s deepening ties with non-traditional partners such as China, and its growing interest in joining BRICS as part of its bid to assert itself more strongly on the global stage.
On the strategic importance of Lagos to Nigeria’s foreign policy ambitions, Ogunjewo described the state as “one of Africa’s most advanced economies,” projecting that Lagos could rival global cities like London and New York in the next two decades.
“The event holding today is positioning Lagos for future diplomatic engagements with the international community. Lagos is a natural platform for a world-power projection strategy,” he said.
He also highlighted the concept of paradiplomacy – where subnational governments like Lagos can independently engage in foreign relations – as a critical tool for Nigeria’s future diplomatic reach.
On the maritime sector, Ogunjewo linked diplomacy to Nigeria’s ability to secure international opportunities for seafarers, insisting that well-negotiated bilateral and multilateral agreements could correct negative perceptions about Nigeria’s training standards and maritime environment.
He revealed that MDSS is already aligning with Nigeria’s blue economy initiative and training students in marine diplomacy.
“We have a distinguished professor of marine history, Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, fully engaged with us, and 12 students currently focusing on maritime studies within the MDSS program,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ogunjewo outlined key expectations from the collaboration between MDSS and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to include; institutional membership for MDSS, joint seminars and conferences, and field exposure for students to complement classroom training.
He added that such collaboration would help Nigeria professionalize its foreign missions. “Many of our embassies are not manned by trained diplomats. With NIIA’s support, we can produce skilled personnel who will defend Nigeria’s interests wherever they are posted,” Ogunjewu asserted.
While delivering the lecture, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describe Lagos as Nigeria’s laboratory for growth, innovation and reforms.
“Nigeria’s capacity to convert every remaining ounce of raw potential that we possess, into the hard currency of world power and global influence will depend, to a large extent, on Lagos.
He identified the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, Eko Atlantic City, the Coastal road, Badagry-Sokoto expressway, Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail, and the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge, Lekki International Airport, and Lagos International Financia Center, as harbingers of Lagos as a hub of global commerce an finance.
“We must do even more work to align the energies of Lagos and of Nigeria. Within this alignment lies a transformative synergy that will fast-track our collective journeys to enduring greatness,” Sanwo-Olu said.
While welcoming the guests and participants, the Director General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, stressed the crucial role of diplomacy and collaboration in governance.
