Ministerial Platform 2013

1. 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

2.  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.

3.  ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs
Amb. O. A . Ashiru
President Jonathan at the World Economic Forum
Davos, Switzerland

4.  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.
 Economic Diplomacy Cont’d
Vice President Namadi Sambo
with South African counterpart

5.  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

6.  Nigeria-USA Relations
President Jonathan and
President Obama of USA
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and US
Secretary of state John Kerry

7.  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

8. Under the partnership with the US, over 1000 ex-
militants 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.
Nigeria-USA Relations
Cont’d

9.  Nigeria-Germany Relations
President Jonathan and
German Chancellor Angela
Markel

10.  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;

11.  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

12.  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.

13.  Nigeria/EU

14.  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 €20million
(about N4.2billion).

15. Nigeria-China Relations
President Goodluck Jonathan and
President Xi Jinping of China

16. Apart 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.
A 50 bed capacity hospital,
donated by China is currently under
construction in Abuja.
Abuja light rail under
construction
Abuja light rail model

17.  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.

18.  REPOSITIONING NIGERIA IN WEST AFRICA,
AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

19.  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.

20. 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

21.  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

22.  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.

23.  Nigeria has continued to maintain
very cordial relations with its
immediate neighbours of
Cameroon, Niger, Chad and
Benin Republic.
 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

24.  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.

25.  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

26. 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.

27.  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

28. INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
Hon. Minister of State I,
Prof. (Mrs.) Viola Onwuliri
at the 3rd Summit of Africa- South American
leaders in Equatorial Guinea

29.  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);

30.  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;

31.  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;

32.  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 Anti-
corruption Agency, and
 Election of Professor Obinna Boniface Okere into the AU
Commission on International Law.

33.  Nigeria and the United Nations
President Jonathan and
UN Sec- Gen, Ban Ki-moon
President Jonathan
at the UN Security Council Session

34.  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.
Nigeria And The United Nations
Cont’d
Professor U. Joy Ogwu,
Nigeria’s Perm. Rep. to the UN

35.  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

36.  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.
RISING INTERNATIONAL PROFILE cont’d

37.  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 Lebanese President in Abuja
President Jonathan and Brazilian President in Abuja

38.  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

39.  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

40. Nigeria High Commission, London Staff quarters of Nigeria`s Mission
In Dakar, Senegal
Consul General`s residence, Bata, Cameroon Embassy of Nigeria
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF OUR
MISSIONS ABROAD cont’d

41. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF OUR
MISSIONS ABROAD cont’d
Nigeria House, New York
Nigeria High Commission,
London, UK
Nigeria High Commission,
London ( Interior)

42.  CONSULAR MATTERS/WELFARE OF
NIGERIANS

43.  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.
 CONSULAR MATTERS/WELFARE OF
NIGERIANS cont’d

44.  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

45.  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.
 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.

46. Distinguished Ladies and
Gentlemen,
 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),

47.  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.
 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.

48. Honourable Ministers,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I thank you