- Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar stressed the need for skilled negotiators to handle Nigeria’s international engagements effectively and ensure favorable outcomes
- Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the establishment of the Academy of International Affairs for its role in navigating diplomatic challenges
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of having skilled negotiators for Nigeria’s international engagements. At the inauguration of the Academy of International Affairs (AIA) in Abuja, he highlighted the necessity for proficient interlocutors, especially considering the current conflicts and trade negotiations involving Nigeria.
Tuggar stressed the significance of equipping negotiators with the right skill sets to represent Nigeria’s interests and ensure successful negotiation outcomes effectively. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to negotiate agreements relevant to the 21st century, underscoring the role of the Academy in preparing diplomats for such engagements.
Assuring the government’s commitment to implementing the country’s foreign policy agenda, Tuggar expressed reliance on the expertise of think tanks in guiding Nigeria’s diplomatic strategies.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the establishment of the Academy and acknowledged its timeliness in the increasingly complex international environment. He emphasized the importance of leveraging intellect, professionalism, and vision to navigate diplomatic challenges and conflicts effectively.
Shettima highlighted the Academy’s importance as a crucial think tank, which is essential for addressing Nigeria’s priorities in the face of demanding global circumstances.
President of the Academy, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, reiterated the AIA’s objective to contribute to Nigeria’s foreign policy formulation and implementation. He emphasized the academy’s role in enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic capabilities and underscored its significance in shaping its international engagements.