Friday, November 5, 2010

Nigeria and the World


Our position in the world of the 21st century will depend upon the action we take to rebuild our democracy, how robustly we act to transform our image as a pariah nation ruled by a corrupt and dictatorial elite, and how soon we repair the ruins of our battered economy to give citizens a comfortable living within our own borders. It is clear, however, that the re-structuring of the Nigerian economy will depend upon our linkage with the world in investment, trade and technology transfer. Diplomacy in the 21st century is bound to be primarily economic in character and our economic relations with the United States of America, the European Union, Japan, China, India, the OPEC countries, the WTO, ECOWAS and the African Union will dominate our foreign affairs. But while we pursue our national interests in all these relationships, Nigeria will always be sensitive to the need for good neighbourliness, peace, mutual security and multi-lateral approaches to global integration.

To achieve optimal economic growth and a good standing among the nations of the world, the All Progressives Grand Alliance will take the following measures:

i. APGA will promote and expand all bilateral and multi-lateral agreements which will strengthen Nigerian democracy and support our economic development.

ii. APGA will strengthen our ties with ECOWAS nations and our leadership position in the West African sub-region and hasten the operation of the treaties for the free movement of goods and persons and for the introduction of a common currency.

iii. APGA will continue to support MINCOMAR, UASC and other sub-regional treaties of understanding to promote trade and development of shipping in the West African sub-region.

iv. APGA will work for the full realization of the African Union as a platform for African development, for the negotiation of international agreements upon an advantageous footing with great nations of the world, and for the uplifting of the dignity of the black people of the world.

v. APGA believes that Nigeria, as the sixth largest oil producer and a major player in gas production could become a force to be reckoned with in the world energy sector and that its strength in this regard could be turned to diplomatic advantage.

vi. APGA will work through the African Union and in concert with other organizations of the Third World to achieve better terms for countries of the Third World in the WTO.

vii. APGA will continue to discharge Nigeria’s obligations as a member of the United Nations and its agencies and to pursue policies of mutual cooperation and coexistence with all other nations of the world.

viii. APGA will support the establishment, through the United Nations, of a just peace in the world and the end of terrorism as the means of solving political problems.

We offer this manifesto as a covenant between the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the people of Nigeria and as a binding oath of what we will do if the nation gives us its support.

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