In 1960, as Nigeria celebrated its hard-fought independence, the world regarded upon the nation as a rising star destined for a distinguished position within the international group. Components akin to its wealthy historical past, strategic geography, and a burgeoning inhabitants appeared to place Nigeria as a key participant on the worldwide stage. Regardless of adopting a coverage of non-alignment, Nigeria garnered appreciable respect from the prevailing energy blocs of that period.
Nevertheless, latest occasions have solid a shadow over Nigeria’s earned worldwide respect and conventional management in Africa. The therapy of Nigerians and their diplomats overseas has change into more and more dehumanising and alarming, elevating questions in regards to the nation’s standing within the comity of countries.
Over the previous few years, Nigerians have confronted xenophobic assaults in varied international locations, together with South Africa, the place the very nation had performed an important position in ending apartheid. The scenario in Ghana, the place 5 Nigerians have been killed, has prompted issues in regards to the security of Nigerian residents overseas. The mistreatment of Nigerian deportees, typically seen in shackles, shouldn’t be solely inhumane but additionally calls for pressing consideration.
The plight of Nigerians overseas is a mirrored image of the broader challenges going through the nation.
The transformation from a globally revered nation to 1 going through disdain and opprobrium didn’t happen in isolation. The failure to maintain the second republic, resulting in extended navy rule and the annulment of the 1993 election, marked a turning level. These occasions considerably diminished Nigeria’s standing and affect in world affairs.
The mismanagement of Nigeria’s economic system, pervasive corruption in authorities, and widespread infrastructural decay have additional eroded the worldwide respect that the nation as soon as loved. The manhandling of Nigerian diplomats overseas is a evident symptom of this decline, and it’s crucial for Abuja to take be aware and handle these incidents promptly.
Emeka Anyaoku’s feedback spotlight the precarious state of Nigeria, pushing it in the direction of a nationwide catastrophe and worldwide irrelevance. The latest audacity of an Indonesian diplomat blaming a Nigerian diplomat for an incident in Jakarta underscores the nation’s diminished standing. Anyaoku’s commentary rings true – the degeneration of Nigeria’s worldwide picture is a trigger for concern.
The distinction with america is stark. People fiercely shield their nationwide curiosity and safety, guaranteeing the protection and dignity of their residents overseas. That is in sharp distinction to Nigeria, the place diplomats and residents alike face degrading and dehumanising situations with out ample recourse. The Nigerians in Diaspora Fee, purportedly established to safeguard the rights of Nigerians overseas, seems toothless and reactive, solely intervening when Nigerians run afoul of international legal guidelines.
The financial leverage as soon as wielded by Nigeria has additionally dwindled. With over 74% of Nigeria’s noodle market dominated by an Indonesian firm, Indomie, producing over $700 million in yearly income, it’s evident that Nigeria’s financial significance has diminished. This financial vulnerability makes the nation inclined to mistreatment by international locations like Indonesia, as Nigeria’s worldwide relevance continues to wane.
The latest manhandling and torturous therapy of Nigerian diplomats by Indonesia is a provocative growth that falls far under the usual of therapy befitting a Nigerian citizen, not to mention a diplomat. This egregious act of worldwide delinquency calls for speedy consideration and a strong response from the Nigerian authorities.
The plight of Nigerians overseas is a mirrored image of the broader challenges going through the nation. The federal government’s incapability to guard its residents and diplomats, coupled with inside points like financial mismanagement and corruption, has led to a lack of worldwide respect. The downward spiral have to be arrested, and corrective measures taken to revive Nigeria’s standing on the worldwide stage.
It’s essential for the seat of energy in Abuja to reevaluate its diplomatic methods, reinforcing the significance of defending Nigerian residents and diplomats overseas. The federal government should handle the basis causes of the nation’s decline, implementing efficient financial and governance reforms. A proactive method to worldwide relations, grounded in safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerians, is paramount.
The decline from a well-respected international participant to a nation grappling with mistreatment overseas is a name to motion. Nigeria should reclaim its standing by strategic diplomatic efforts, inside reforms, and an unwavering dedication to defending its residents on the worldwide stage.
