PRESENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FROM MAY 2011 TO JUNE 2013
BY AMBASSADOR OLUGBENGA A. ASHIRU, MFR HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT THE MINISTERIAL PLATFORM FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, RADIO HOUSE,
ABUJA, NIGERIA 24TH JUNE 2013
Introduction
Protocols
When we assumed office in July 2011 and during my own Senate Confirmation Hearing, I gave the following commitments:
i. To use Foreign Policy to support the Economic Programme of Government in the areas of infrastructural development, agriculture, power, job and wealth creation and make the ordinary Nigerian benefit directly from our foreign policy activities;
ii. To reposition Nigeria in the International Community, with enhanced visibility and prestige; and
iii. To protect the interests of Nigerians living or travelling abroad, and also bring succour to those in distressed situations abroad.
ď ą ECONOMIC
President Jonathan at the World Economic Forum Davos, Switzerland
DIPLOMACY
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. O. A . Ashiru
Economic Diplomacy Cont’d
Our strategy was to focus on Economic Diplomacy by attracting huge investments into the country in the last two years. The inflow of these investments has had a salutary effect on the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in supporting the economic programme of the Government. What we did was to form strategic partnerships with a number of countries in order to support our investment drive. The countries are: The U.S, Britain, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, South Africa and a few others. Vice President Namadi Sambo with South African counterpart
These partnerships have been very successful and resulted in large investments inflow into the country. According to the United Nations World Investment Report, the total FDI inflow into Nigeria was in the region of USD 8.9bn for 2012, far higher than in previous years. I will give a breakdown of the major investments, projects and economic programmes that have flowed into Nigeria in the last two years, consequent on the dynamic economic diplomacy of the Jonathan Administration.
Vice President leading Nigerian delegation on economic drive
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Nigeria-USA Relations
President Jonathan and President Obama of USA
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and US Secretary of state John Kerry
Nigeria-USA Relations Cont’d
The General Electric Company of US is investing over USD1.0 billion in the construction of a factory in Calabar, Cross River to manufacture Gas turbines for the power sector not just for Nigeria but also Africa. The factory would employ over 2500 skilled man power and an equal number of unskilled workers, with wealth creation in the added value chain;
Proteur and Gamble has begun the construction of a factory in Agbara, Ogun State, to manufacture health materials with the potential to create well over 1000 skilled jobs and huge potentials for wealth creation in the added value chain; Vice President performing the ground breaking ceremony of the GE manufacturing facility in Calabar
Nigeria-USA Relations Cont’d Under
the partnership with the US, over 1000 exmilitants from the Niger-Delta region have been trained in American Institutions in the last two years for skill acquisition and in other vocations. Some
U.S companies under this partnership programme are assisting with the rehabilitation of the Niger Delta environment.
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Nigeria-Germany Relations
President Jonathan and German Chancellor Angela Markel
Nigeria-Germany Relations Cont’d
I am happy to report that the German private sector with the support of the German government is investing heavily in the power sector in Nigeria. This is consequent on the Bilateral Agreement signed in Germany on 2nd December, 2011 by the two Foreign Ministers based on the instructions and directives of both President Goodluck Jonathan and Chancellor Angela Merkel. The projects flowing into Nigeria from Germany include:
Siemens of Germany to establish local manufacturing factory in Lagos, Lagos State for the production of small and medium scale Gas turbines for the power sector in Nigeria;
Financial inflow of Euro65million for the 30 megawatts Kiri Dam project in Adamawa;
Financial inflow of Euro50million for the 20 megawatts Yola Solar power station;
Financial inflow of Euro1.5billion for the 450 megawatts Gombe Coal to power station;
On-going construction of 450 megawatts National Independent Power Project (NIPP) Geregu Power Station phase II in Ajaokuta, Kogi State;
Grant and support for Deforestation and Forest Degradation Projects for Adamawa, Bornu, Cross River, Kano, Ogun and Sokoto States; and
Geregu Power Station phase II under construction
Grant for 5 to 10 megawatts solar power plants for six Universities of Ibadan, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Yola and two others, at a total investment of Euro8.2million. The funding for the first of those units to the tune of Euro1.2million has already been confirmed. All the above projects would not only increase the installed capacity of our national grid but also create jobs for our youths and equally create wealth in the added value chain.
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Nigeria/EU
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Consequent on the 6th Nigeria/EU Dialogue on Migration and Development in Abuja on 20th March, 2013, the EU has made a commitment to fund the implementation of projects on migration management in Nigeria to the tune of â‚Ź20million (about N4.2billion).
Nigeria-China Relations
President Goodluck Jonathan and President Xi Jinping of China
ď ąApart
from the involvement of China in the development of infrastructures and construction, it has granted a soft loan of USD500.million for the construction of a light rail in and around Abuja.
Abuja light rail under construction
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50 bed capacity hospital, donated by China is currently under construction in Abuja.
Abuja light rail model
Nigeria-Mexico Relations
A Foreign Direct Investment Portfolio of USD54million in flow has been granted to develop agriculture plantations for the cultivation of pineapple and other crops for export to EU market. This on-going project is creating jobs for our unemployed youths and wealth for the populace.
REPOSITIONING NIGERIA IN WEST AFRICA, AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
REPOSITIONING NIGERIA IN ECOWAS, AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY cont’d The strength, profile and prestige enjoyed by Nigeria and Nigerians abroad today derived largely from the successful presidential elections of April 2011, which was adjudged both by local and foreign observers as free and fair. It is therefore not a surprise that, at his inaugural speech on 29th May, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan, as part of his foreign policy declaration, promised to champion and promote democracy, good governance and human rights in Africa.
The first test of the pledge was to be in Cote d´Ivoire already embroiled in a civil war and a deadlocked electoral process. Nigeria´s intervention was decisive in the crisis, which could have had a destabilizing effect both to our sub-region, and the over 3 million Nigerians that have made that country their home. President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, rose to the occasion. It was Nigeria´s strong voice and action, to uphold democracy and support the winner of the presidential election, Mr. Alassane Quattara, that prevented a blood bath in Cote d´Ivoire.
President Jonathan's State Visit To Cote D'ivoire
ď ą In Guinea Bissau it was President Goodluck Jonathan that successfully directed the negotiations which brought peace and political stability to the country, including prevailing on the new leadership to allow the departure of the deposed leaders without any harm coming to them.
President Nhamajo Serifo Of Guinea Bissau Visits Abuja
As regards Mali, it was Nigeria´s leadership role that helped to stabilize that country after the military coup prior to the failed ascension of the terrorists into Northern Mali. Nigeria exerted strenuous diplomatic efforts to mobilize ECOWAS and the UN to intervene; efforts which paved the way for French military intervention. Nigeria showed leadership by the accelerated dispatch of 1200 Nigerian troops as part of the African-led international support Mission on Mali (AFISMA), to defend the territorial integrity of Mali and military engage the terrorists.
ď ą Nigeria has continued to maintain very cordial relations with its immediate neighbours of Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin Republic.
ď ą We have concluded bilateral agreements to facilitate joint cross border patrols by our security forces to enhance the security of our borders, as well as deal with the challenges posed by terrorists and cross border trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
Hon. Minister of State II, Dr. Nuruddeen Mohammed Signing a bilateral agreement with Equatorial Guinea
Beyond its pivotal role in the negotiation of the political and security situations in the ECOWAS and amongst its immediate neighbours, Nigeria has continued to play a leadership role in Africa.
A good illustration of this was Nigeria´s timely intervention in announcing the recognition of the then Transitional National Council (TNC) in Libya that showed the way. Within a few days of Nigeria´s announcement, the majority of member States of the African Union followed Nigeria´s lead.
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Relations with Africa and the African Union
AU Summit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mr. President at the 21st Session of the AU Summit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Relations With The African Union Cont’d Before the advent of President Goodluck Jonathan´s Administration, the general view in the media was Nigeria´s lack of visibility within the African Union and its activities. In fact since the transformation of the OAU to the AU ten years ago, Nigeria was not represented at the highest decision making organ of the AU from 2003 to 2011. Nigeria failed three times to secure election into one of the 8 posts of Commissioners (apart from the Chairperson or Deputy) within the African Union Commission, in spite of our yearly contribution of about 15% of the annual budget of the organization to the tune of about USD16.3million.
However, due to careful and meticulous strategic planning and formation of alliances with other sub-regional groups, Nigeria broke the jinx and was successful in the election in July 2012 to secure the post of Commissioner for Political Affairs for our candidate, Ambassador Aisha Abdullahi, Nigeria´s former Ambassador to Guinea-Conakry. Two years after, Nigeria is now very visible at the African Union. Furthermore, Nigeria is also now present at the highest level decision making organ of the African Union, in charge of Democracy, Election and Good Governance on the continent.
President Jonathan signs a pact with AU Commission
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
Hon. Minister of State I, Prof. (Mrs.) Viola Onwuliri at the 3rd Summit of Africa- South American leaders in Equatorial Guinea
Before the advent of President Jonathan´s Administration, the negative media reports focused on the absence of Nigeria and Nigerians in various international organizations and Commissions. Two years after, we have worked hard to reverse this trend and within this period, we have successfully secured 16 international positions for Nigeria and Nigerians. As this high record may be too sweet for some skeptics to believe, I will list the posts here under as follows:
Re-election of Dr. Kanayo Nwanze as President of the International for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Election of Mrs. Oby Nwankwo to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); Election of Nigeria to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC);
Election of Mr. Adamu Mohammed, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, as Vice President of INTERPOL, representing Africa at their meeting held 31st October – 3 November 2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam; Re-election of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN to the International Law Commission; The election of Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji as one of the 6 Judges of the ICC in a tightly contested election in New York;
Election of Hon. Bethel Amadi as the President of the Pan-African Parliament; Election of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament; Election of Nigeria to the Governing Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Election of Nigeria as President of the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women; (UN Women); The election of Dr. Kolawole Aduloju as the Assistant Secretary General of the Pan African Postal Union;
Endorsement by the AU of the candidature of Dr. Bernard Olumuyiwa Aliu for election as President of the Executive Council of ICAO based in Montreal, Canada; Re-election of Nigeria to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, AU Commission on International Law Commission and re-election into AU Anti-corruption Board – all three positions at the AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2013; Election of Mrs. Julie Onu-Nwariaku into the African Union Anticorruption Agency, and Election of Professor Obinna Boniface Okere into the AU Commission on International Law.
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Nigeria and the United Nations
President Jonathan and UN Sec- Gen, Ban Ki-moon
President Jonathan at the UN Security Council Session
Nigeria And The United Nations Cont’d Within the International System, membership of the United Nations Security Council is highly desired and sought by many countries.
Given the leadership role which Nigeria has continued to play in Africa, it is appropriate to seat on the Council, so that Africa´s voice can be heard more effectively. We have received the endorsement of ECOWAS and African Union for this bid.
Professor U. Joy Ogwu, Nigeria’s Perm. Rep. to the UN
We have worked hard to achieve this objective and wish to assure all Nigerians that, by God´s grace, Nigeria will be elected into this Council in October 2013.
It will definitely be a befitting present to our country to be seated in the United Nations Security Council on 1st January, 2014, the year of our country´s Centenary celebration.
This is the first time Nigeria will return to the Council within two years of completing our last tenure. Membership of this Council will bring honour, visibility, dignity and prestige to Nigeria.
Hon. Minister of State I presiding over Security Council Session
RISING INTERNATIONAL PROFILE cont’d
19. As a testimony to Nigeria’s strategic importance in the comity of nations, President Goodluck Jonathan has undertaken several trips to many countries abroad, where he was received very warmly by his hosts and the resident Nigerian Community.
ď ą The President has also in return played hosts to Heads of State and Governments delegations from all over the world including high level visits by UK Prime Minister, the Chancellor of Germany, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Presidents of Brazil, Indonesia, Lebanon, Poland and South Africa.
President Jonathan and Uk Prime Minister
President Jonathan and Brazilian President in Abuja President Jonathan and Lebanese President in Abuja
ď ą Also visiting were a number of Foreign Ministers from Germany, Denmark, Finland, Canada, United States to mention a few. This is a clear illustration of the goodwill towards Nigeria and the desire of other countries to engage Nigeria in recognition of her strategic place and role in world affairs.
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Saudi Arabian Foreign Affairs Minister
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF OUR MISSIONS ABROAD ď ą 20. Within the limited resources available, we are taking measures to improve the physical conditions of our Missions abroad. We have bought properties in some of our Missions abroad as construction works have been completed in others. Our properties in London, Pretoria, New York, etc are being renovated and work has reached various stages of completion.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF OUR MISSIONS ABROAD cont’d
Nigeria High Commission, London
Consul General`s residence, Bata, Cameroon
Staff quarters of Nigeria`s Mission In Dakar, Senegal
Embassy of Nigeria Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF OUR MISSIONS ABROAD cont’d
Nigeria House, New York
Nigeria High Commission, London, UK
Nigeria High Commission, London ( Interior)
CONSULAR MATTERS/WELFARE OF NIGERIANS
CONSULAR MATTERS/WELFARE OF NIGERIANS cont’d One of the major challenges facing Nigerian´s foreign policy is the plight of Nigerians in various prisons abroad. There are currently over 9,000 Nigerians in prisons abroad with the largest number of 752 in the UK. Most of the remaining Prisoners are concentrated in the Asia – Pacific region.
A good number of them are on death row. We are concluding Prisoners’ Transfer Agreement (PTA) with all those countries such as United Kingdom, Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Switzerland, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and Hong Kong, so that we can bring home the prisoners to complete their prison terms. I will like to appeal to members of different groups, the media, civil societies, religious groups, traditional rulers, etc, to join hands in the education of our youths in an enlightenment campaign against trafficking in drugs. This assignment should not be left alone to Governments at different levels to handle
A cross Section of Nigerian Community during a Meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Islamabad, Pakistan November, 2012
ď ą As regards relations with the Diplomatic Community in Nigeria, we have insisted that Nigerians are treated with respect and dignity. Our efforts have led to the provision of better facilities in the Reception/Waiting areas for applicants for visas and other travelling documents at the various missions and Visa Collection/Processing Centers in Nigeria. ď ą I am also pleased to note that, on the basis of our constructive engagement with the Diplomatic Corps, the waiting periods for the issuance of visas have been considerably by many of the missions.
Distinguished Gentlemen,
Ladies
and
ď ą I wish to assure our compatriots and all foreign policy stakeholders that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to vigorously pursue economic diplomacy required for the successful prosecution of the Transformation Agenda.
President Goodluck Jonathan (1st R), with President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’ivoire (L), watch as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru (L), Sign Mou with the Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Chales Diby (R),
ď ą Our priority is to continue to project Nigeria positively and make it more attractive to international investors. To do this, we will continue to strengthen and deepen relations with our traditional friends, while building and cultivating new partnership and alliances around issues vital to Nigeria’s national interests. ď ą We will also continue to render, with renewed vigour, necessary consular services to Nigerians abroad, including the plight of those in detention or in prosions.
Honourable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen I thank you