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ADDRESS

BY

AMBASSADOR OLUGBENGA A. ASHIRU, MFR HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

AT THE

MINISTERIAL PLATFORM

MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN’S ADMINISTRATION,

FRIDAY, 18TH MAY 2012,

NATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, ABUJA.

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Honourable Ministers, Members of Members of the National Assembly, Members of the Media, Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to give our stewardship of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs marking the one year anniversary of the Administration of

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.

2. When we were sworn in on 11th July 2011, I gave a firm commitment

that Nigeria’s foreign policy would be repositioned and deployed to achieve our

country’s national development objectives. In particular, I spoke about making

foreign policy relevant to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, such that they would

be the direct beneficiaries of our foreign policy.

3. In consonance with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal

Government, I argued that foreign policy and economic diplomacy would be

deployed to advance Nigeria’s vital national interests. I further postulated that

in doing this, attention would be focused on the attraction of foreign direct

investments, with a view to creating an environment for job and wealth

creation. We committed ourselves to seeking strategic partnerships with the

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rest of the world, particularly with countries with huge potentials to assist in

the realization of these economic and social objectives, while not neglecting

our traditional friends. In laying out my strategic vision, I was mindful of the

fact that the Transformation Agenda is, indeed, a foreign policy agenda as

every aspect of the programme has a foreign policy component.

4. In the same vein, I set out to pursue the re-orientation and re-

positioning of the machinery of foreign policy making and implementation,

which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including its service delivery to

Nigerians at home and abroad. We also set out to ensure close collaboration

and liaison with relevant stakeholders in the sphere of foreign policy, especially

the National Assembly, and indeed, the media.

5. One year on, I am pleased to report that we have kept faith with these

commitments and the solemn covenant with the Nigerian people. It is

therefore with the greatest sense of humility and fulfillment that I address you

on this occasion, detailing the road we have trodden in the last one year in the

sphere of Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations.

DEMOCRACY AND NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

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6. Flowing from the principle that foreign policy is the extension of

domestic priorities, Nigeria’s new foreign policy is underpinned by democratic

values at home as well as in Africa:

Nigeria has demonstrated its strong commitment to the promotion of

democracy and democratic values in its foreign policy exertions in Africa.

This is evident in the country’s support for democratic efforts and its

consolidation in Ghana, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau

and Equatorial Guinea, to mention but a few.

Indeed, the Framework Agreement on the situation in Mali concluded by

ECOWAS, which aimed at resolving the political crisis in that country,

drew its inspiration from our meeting with the Special Envoys of the

Malian military junta who visited Abuja on 3rd April 2012. We were clear

that Nigeria would not accord recognition to the military junta in Mali, just

as we committed ourselves to the protection of the unity and territorial

integrity of that country. Our position remains that full constitutional

order must be restored to the country, and that the de facto division of

the country would not be recognized. Northern Mali must not be allowed

to serve as a safe haven to terrorists, which could destabilize the sub-

region.

The Government has also given concrete expression to its resolve to

defend and promote the welfare and interests of citizens in various parts

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of the world. The recognition of Libya’s NTC occasioned, partly by the

need to ensure the safety of Nigerians trapped in that country, was a

clear illustration of this position.

In line with our policy of citizen diplomacy, which is anchored on the

promotion and protection of the welfare of Nigerians, we responded

promptly and firmly to the unjustified deportation of our nationals from

South Africa in March 2012. This elicited the apology from the South

African Government and the dispatch of a Special Envoy to Mr. President.

The apologies were accepted in the spirit of the excellent relations that

exist between the two countries. Indeed, the South Africa – Nigeria Bi-

national Commission, intended to address the entire gamut of relations

between the two countries, but which had been moribund for some time,

is now scheduled to hold from 21-23 May 2012. Other instances of

deportation of Nigerians had occurred, but we had ensured that the

deportations were carried out with dignity and with full respect of the

human rights of our nationals.

Nigeria was recently honoured in New York with an invitation to become

a member of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies;

an International Organization with Headquarters in Poland.

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NIGERIA’S RELATIONS WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS AND ECOWAS

7. The current security challenges facing Nigeria had made relations with

its immediate neighbours a matter of top priority. It is also in Nigeria’s

economic interest to pursue the integration agenda and programmes of

ECOWAS, including regional peace and security in its member states.

Accordingly, Nigeria has deepened and strengthened its engagements with the

neighbouring countries in the areas of security and economic cooperation with

a view to promoting the well-being and prosperity of Nigerians. This is why we

have continued to play an active role in ECOWAS, participating robustly in all

its meetings at all levels, to ensure the realisation of the organisation’s

integration programmes, while promoting regional peace and security essential

to economic prosperity and development.

8. In furtherance of Nigeria’s policy of good neighbourlines and the

promotion of security and cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria

participated in the 6th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Gulf

of Guinea Commission that took place in Luanda, Angola from 12-13 April

2012. Similarly, Nigeria participated at the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of

State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission which took place in

N’Djamena, Chad on 30th April 2012. Among other things, the Summit

reiterated its support for the project on inter-basin water transfer from Ubangi

River to Lake Chad. The tenure of Nigeria’s Engineer Sanusi Imran Abdullahi

as Executive Secretary was extended till 2017.

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RELATIONS WITH THE AFRICAN UNION

9. Nigeria has continued to play its leadership role in the African Union.

This was demonstrated by the recognition that Nigeria granted the Transitional

Government in Libya and the resolution of the situation in Cote d’Ivoire. Our

commitment to the African Union and its programmes remain unshakable. It is

recalled in this regard that President Jonathan attended the 17th Ordinary

Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African

Union which took place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in 23 June – 1st July

2011. He was also active at the 18th Session of the Assembly which took place

in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On the margins of the Summit, the 16th Assembly of

the African Peer Review Forum appointed nine (9) members, including

Professor Okon Uya to serve on the Peer Review Panel of Eminent Persons

10. Let me add that Nigeria remains committed to the resolution of the

current impasse in the election of the Chairperson of the AU Commission with

a view to ensuring that no divisions are allowed to threaten Africa’s unity and

solidarity.

11. As a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to African solidarity, our

country participated actively in the AU Pledging Conference on Famine in

Somalia which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 25th August 2011. Nigeria

pledged the sum of $2 million in aid of famine victims in the Horn of Africa. In

the last year, President Goodluck Jonathan had visited a number of countries

in Africa, including Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana. The visits provided

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opportunities for exchange of views on issues of bilateral relations and

continental matters.

NIGERIA AND THE UNITED NATIONS

12. Nigeria concluded her fourth tenure as an elected member of the UN

Security Council for the period 2010-2011. During this period, the Council

provided a viable platform to engender greater visibility and goodwill within

the UN. Nigeria served as a voice of reason, by being strident in addressing

threats to international peace and security in Africa, Europe, the Middle East,

Asia and the Americas. Nigeria contributed effectively to the Council’s efforts

to address thematic and cross-cutting challenges. Over 75% of the issues on

the agenda of the UN Security Council are African matters, ranging from the

challenge of poverty and socio-economic issues to the situations in Burundi,

Chad, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, the DRC, Guinea Bissau,

Liberia, Libya, among others.

13. Nigeria chaired the thematic debate at the UN Security Council during

the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly devoted to preventive diplomacy

as a means of stemming the tide of conflict across the globe. As Chair of the

Security Council Working Group on Peace-keeping Operations, Nigeria also

institutionalised the triangular cooperation between the Security Council, the

Secretariat, and the Troop-contributing countries. For the first time, the voice

of the troop contributing countries was elevated and their perspectives taken

into account concerning the renewal of mandate and the welfare of peace-

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keepers. As at today, Nigerian troops are participating in several UN peace-

keeping Missions in various parts of the world notably in Darfur in Sudan

(UNAMID), South Sudan (UNMISS), Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others.

14. Yet Africa is the only continent not represented in the UN Security

Council in the permanent seat category. Nigeria wishes to reiterate its call for

the reform, expansion and democratisation of this vital organ of the world

body, to reflect current realities in line with the principles of equity and justice.

ELECTION OF NIGERIANS TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

15. Within the period under review, the new focus of our foreign policy as

vigorously pursued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yielded the following

dividends:

Nigeria’s election to the Executive Board of UNESCO for a term of four

years in November, 2011, in Paris, France;

Nigeria’s election to the Governing Board of the United Nations

Environmental Programme (UNEP) in November, 2011;

Nigeria was also elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

on 24 October, 2011;

Election of Mr. Adamu Mohammed, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, as

the Vice President of INTERPOL representing Africa at their meeting held

in Hanoi, Vietnam in October, 2011;

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Re-election of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon.

Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN to the International Law Commission on

17 November, 2011; and

The election of Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji as one of the six judges of the ICC

in a tightly contested election in New York in November, 2011.

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

16. Also derived from the new thrust of Nigeria’s foreign policy is the

impetus given to the maximisation of benefits for Nigeria in our foreign policy

calculations. Nigeria has therefore reviewed and re-negotiated several bilateral

Agreements with many countries, to reflect these priorities. These

Agreements include Joint Commissions, Investment Promotion and Protection

Agreements (IPPAs), Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA), Avoidance of

Double Taxation, Science and Technology, Agricultural Cooperation, Energy

and Power, Solid Minerals, Education, Culture and Tourism, with several

countries such as China, India, Turkey, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, the

United Arabs Emirates, etc. Nigeria and Australia have also established a

Trade and Investment Council, to identify and develop new business

opportunities between the two countries.

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17. The Ministry has also sought to play an active role in discussions over

the implementation of BASA with several countries, as exemplified in the on-

going dispute between Nigeria and UK-based airlines. Our stance on this

matter is that Nigerian regulatory agencies in the aviation sector must be alive

to their responsibilities as we seek a renegotiation of the various BASA on the

basis of sovereign equality, equity and justice with a view to ensuring that

Nigeria’s national interests are fully protected.

18. The fifth Nigeria/EU dialogue on Migration and Development was held in

Abuja on 27 January, 2012. The objectives of the meeting were to exchange

information and identify practical measures of co-operation with a view to

strengthening Nigeria-EU RELATIONS on migration matters BY WAY OF AN

holistic approach, which covers migration and development, rather than

limiting the issue to irregular migration. In the meantime, we have continued

to engage with several development partners, such as the UK, US, Italy,

Switzerland, etc, to ensure managed migration in the overall interests of all

sides, including Nigerians.

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19. The 31st Session of the D-8 Commission took place in Abuja, Nigeria

from 12th - 14th March 2012. In line with the Federal Government

Transformation Agenda, the landmark outcomes of the Session have added to

the growing list of achievements associated with the dynamic leadership of

Nigeria in the last two years. The Session commended the marked

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improvement in member states in the promotion of trade and investment and

the overall enhancement of economic cooperation and growth, especially the

entry into force of (a) the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), (b) Multilateral

Agreement on Administrative Assistance in Custom matters; and (c) the

Simplification of Visa Procedures for the Businessmen of D-8 member-states.

20. Nigeria has also begun a review of the Trade Pact between Nigeria and

Finland with a view to promoting Trade and Investment between the two

countries. A trade delegation with interest in power, oil and gas, agriculture,

and ship building from India was hosted by the Ministry on 12th March, 2012.

Similar delegations were received from the UK, Germany, Australia, France,

Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Chad, Niger, Gabon, Burundi,

South Africa, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Malawi, among others. This is in

recognition of the importance and immense contributions of Nigeria to

international peace and security. Indeed, Nigeria continues to receive requests

for the establishment of resident diplomatic missions in our country. This is

also a reflection of the goodwill, which Nigeria enjoys in the international

community.

21. On intra-Africa trade and economic cooperation, Nigerian Private Sector

participation has been recorded in a number of countries as exemplified in the

establishment of cement production plants in Ethiopia, Cameroun and Senegal.

We have continued to support the activities and operations of Nigerian

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businesses, especially financial institutions and banks which had opened in

several countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, Gambia, Guinea Conakry,

Gabon, Kenya and Liberia.

22. As a matter of policy, the business forum has become an essential

segment of President Jonathan’s foreign engagements, official and state visits.

This was demonstrated in Nigeria’s participation at the Commonwealth Heads

of Government meeting in Perth, Australia in November 2011 and the UN

Nuclear Summit in Seoul, South Korea in March 2012. The Nigerian private

sector operators participated actively at the business segments of both events

meetings in Perth, focusing on mining and solid minerals, while that of Seoul

focused on infrastructure. The strategy is to forge a synergy between Nigeria’s

external political relations and our economic objectives in a manner that

guarantees the needed political support. Unlike in the past when the Nigerian

private sector could not take full advantage of Nigeria’s foreign policy

exertions, it is worthy of note that this situation is beginning to change for the

better.

23. In furtherance of the foregoing, Vice President Namadi Sambo led

Nigerian’s delegation to the Agriculture Investment Forum that took place in

Washington, USA from 10-11 April 2012. The Forum, which held concurrently

with the annual conference of the US EXPORT-IMPORT Bank, afforded Nigeria

the opportunity to market its agricultural investment potentials. While in the

US, Vice President Sambo met with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, during

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which the two leaders exchanged fruitful ideas on issues of common interest.

The US pledged its support for on-going efforts at tackling the menace of

terrorism and corruption.

24. President Jonathan led the Nigerian delegation to the World Economic

Forum on Africa which held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 9 – 11 May 2012. It

was an opportunity for Nigeria to exchange views and experience on economic

development issues, including leadership, investment and innovation. Both the

President and the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating

Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala participated on Live

television debates on these and related matters.

Honourable Ministers, Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

25. Nigeria’s emphasis on economic diplomacy has resulted in the

implementation of the Bi-national Commission agreements with several

countries, notably US, Germany, South Africa and Canada, viz:

a. BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION WITH USA

The Bi-national Commission with USA is quite robust. The BNC has

been very helpful to Nigeria in the following areas:

Energy Partnership: Under the BNC, American investors and

companies are to invest massively in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Appreciable progress has been recorded in this sector;

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Niger Delta: The United States is training ex-militants from the

Niger Delta region in skills acquisition and vocational trades. They are

also assisting with the rehabilitation of the Niger Delta environment;

Agriculture and Food Security: This is another area where the

BNC’s is being maximized for the benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians;

Good Governance/Transparency Co-operation: This involves

support for political and electoral institutions. The arrangement is

useful for knowledge-transfer and experience-sharing to scale up the

capacity and efficiency of our democratic processes and institutions.

b. BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION WITH GERMANY

Nigeria’s relations with Germany received a significant boost with the

visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in July 2011. This has since

been reciprocated by Mr. President who undertook an official visit to

Germany between 18-20 April 2012.

The Bi-national agreement was signed on 2nd December 2011 in Berlin.

The broad areas covered by the BNC are: Power and Energy; Trade and

Investment; Political Consultation and Education; Immigration and

Cultural matters.

Some of the projects already identified under the German BNC fall under

Power Generation, Re-forestation, Emission Control and Capacity Building

for Research in Solar Power Energy for Universities.

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PROJECT DETAILS:

The £65 Million 30 Megawatts Kiri Dam project in Adamawa;

The £50 Million 20 Megawatts Yola Solar Power Station;

The £1,5 Billion 450 Megawatts Gombe Coal to Power Station;

The 450 megawatts National Independent Power Project (NIPP) Geregu

Power Station, Phase II in Ajaokuta;

The Redd+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest

Degradation) projects for Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Kano, Ogun and

Sokoto States.

The Pilot Solar Power Plants for Universities of Ibadan, Lagos, Sokoto

and Bayelsa.

c. NIGERIA-CANADA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing Nigeria-Canada

Bi-National Commission (BNC) was signed on Monday 23rd April 2012 in

Ottawa, Canada. The MoU covers four broad areas, namely; political

relations, economic relations including Trade and Investments, Security

and Development Cooperation in areas of health, education,

international cooperation, targeted at the achievement of the Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs). We are now set to move into the

implementation phase of the MoU, which would put Canada-Nigeria

relations on a higher pedestal.

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d. NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-national Commission has been resuscitated

to further strengthen the warm relations between the two countries. The

8th Session of the BNC is scheduled to hold in Cape Town in South Africa

from 21 – 23 May 2012. The expected outcome of the renegotiated Bi-

national Commission agreement is as follows:

Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) has been reviewed, seeking an

increase in frequency of flights and to open new routes between the two

countries.

Under BNC South African Airways can now fly not only to Lagos but also

Abuja.

Two Nigerian Airlines flying to South Africa could land either,

Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Other agreements and issues of cooperation, to be further negotiated at

the forthcoming Session of the Bi-national Commission will cover areas

such as agriculture, arts and culture, education, communications,

defence, energy, environment, health, justice, mineral resources, police

affairs and law enforcement, science and technology, social

development, sports, tourism and trade, industry and investment.

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REGULAR BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS WITH SENIOR UNITED KINGDOM OFFICIALS

26. As regards Nigeria-UK relations, the British Prime Minister, David

Cameron visited Nigeria in July 2011, following in the heels of the visit of the

German Chancellor. During the visit, the two leaders agreed to double

bilateral trade between the two countries by 2015.

Nigeria-British relations have been further energized with the high level

contacts and discussions which took place when President Jonathan

visited the UK in February 2012 for the international conference on

Somalia. Mr. President was one of the few world leaders invited to the

conference. During the meeting, President Jonathan held constructive

discussions with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and Prince

Charles, The Prince of Wales. The main areas of cooperation include:

Development: Assisting Nigerian efforts to achieve the MDGs, including

“enabling factors” such as deepening democracy and good governance;

Security: Working together to lessen and eradicate national and

international security threats, in particular terrorism;

International Affairs: Co-ordination and co-operation to achieve

common foreign policy objectives;

Migration: Enhanced cooperation to promote the mutual benefits

of legal migration, including the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA),

currently before the National Assembly.

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VISIT TO FRANCE

27. President Goodluck Jonathan undertook an official visit to France in

November 2011. This was preceded by the visit of the French Foreign Minister,

Alain Juppe to Abuja on 11-12 November 2011. The visit to France

underscored the strategic relations between Nigeria and France, reflecting the

growing economic importance of the relations, given the volume of trade and

investment between the countries. President Jonathan had since

congratulated the new French President, Francois Hollande, expressing the

hope and confidence that subsisting relations between the two countries would

continue to grow in leaps and bounds under the new leadership of France.

RELATIONS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH

28. Nigeria has continued to play an active role in the Commonwealth. Mr.

President attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Perth,

Australia in October-November 2011. As a mark of Nigeria’s standing within

the organization, Nigeria, representing West Africa, is a member of the

Ministerial Task Force on the development of the Charter of the

Commonwealth, which is intended to give greater clarity and focus to the

organization. It is also intended to attain the codification of the core values

and principles of the organization that will give rise to a more structured

treaty-based organization.

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29. May I also seize this opportunity to announce that former President

Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed to serve as a member of the Board of

Trustees for fund raising for the commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee

Anniversary of Her Majesty, the Queen, coming up next year. I wish to

congratulate former President Obasanjo on this honour.

INTENSIFIED PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATION

PARTNERSHIPS

30. Nigeria now plays active roles in Global Strategic Partnerships (GSPs).

They provide development synergies and opportunities for “new growth roles”

for Nigerian economy on:

Private Investment;

Entrepreneurship;

Resource Diversification; and

Roll out of New Investment Vehicles and Job opportunities

31. Some of the multilateral development partnerships in which Nigeria is

involved are:

(a) Africa - EU

(b) Africa - South America (ASACOF)

(c) Africa - China

(d) Africa - Turkey

(e) Africa - Japan

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(f) Africa - India

32. Nigeria has also been active in activities of the Organisation of Islamic

Cooperation (OIC), with a focus on economic cooperation and development.

Vice President Namadi Sambo attended the meeting of the Islamic

Development Bank that took place in Khartoum, Sudan recently. The IDB is a

multilateral development financing institution located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

founded by the first conference of Finance Ministers of the Organisation of the

Islamic Conference (OIC), now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in

1973.

33. The meeting afforded Nigeria the opportunity to consolidate its

strategies for project financing from the Bank. Vice-President Namadi Sambo

announced at the meeting that the Islamic Development Bank had earmarked

$2bn (about N310bn) to support the implementation of President Goodluck

Jonathan administration’s transformation agenda. The support will cover the

period of 2012 to 2014.

NIGERIA AND SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

34. Nigeria’s relations with the rest of the world, including the emerging

markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, (BRICS), and

other regional players in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe have also

received due attention, with concrete results. Our objectives are to intensify

South-South Cooperation and diversify Nigeria’s relations in a manner that is

consistent with our development aspirations. In this regard, economic

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cooperation and partnership in project financing and execution, especially in

infrastructure such as power, health and railways, etc, have been the goals of

our collaboration and engagements.

35. A good illustration of this new vista of cooperation is the agreement

between Nigeria and Turkey to abolish visas for holders of diplomatic and

official passports. Vietnam and Nigeria have also exchanged draft agreements

on same, while a similar proposal has been made by South Africa, which has

started to grant visas of long duration for holders of Diplomatic and Official

Passports. I will like to thank these countries for their good will in this regard.

Our hope is to see more of such developments in order to deepen people-to-

people contacts between the countries concerned and Nigeria.

36. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued to seek the deepening of

economic/trade relations through increased integration and development of

multi-country infrastructural systems. Equally, many of our Missions are

presently working on Reciprocal Trade and Investment Promotion and

Protection Agreements. The Agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

on this matter was signed recently. As regards relations with Mexico, a credit

flow of $US54 million had been sourced to develop agriculture plantations of

pineapple and other crops for export to the European Union market.

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RELATIONS WITH THE NIGERIAN DIASPORA

37. As regards relations with the Nigerian Diaspora, the Ministry is of the

view that this essential component of the Nigerian population abroad must not

be seen as a matter of consular burden. They constitute a source of huge

human and material resources that must be mobilized for national

development. This is why Nigerian Missions abroad are being directed to locate

Diaspora matters in the Trade, Investment and Economic Sections of their

Missions, where the contributions of the Diaspora can be better fed into the

Transformation Agenda. We are also encouraging Nigerians in the Diaspora to

establish small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria as a form of

demonstration effect, which would also encourage foreigners to do the same,

either alone or in partnerships and joint ventures.

38. President Goodluck Jonathan has been invited by President Jacob Zuma

and the AU Commission Chair person, to the Global Africa Diaspora Summit

holding in Johannesburg, South Africa on 25th May 2012. Arrangements have

reached an advanced stage for Nigeria’s active participation at this Summit,

which will serve as a platform for a more creative engagement with the

Diaspora community.

ATTRACTING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS (FDIs)

39. In pursuit of Nigeria’s Transformation Agenda, our representations

abroad have been refocused and new Ambassadors appointed with clear

mandates to defend Nigeria’s national interests and to facilitate Foreign Direct

Investments (FDIs) to the country.

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SECURITY COOPERATION

40. To enhance national and sub-regional security, President Goodluck Ebele

Jonathan’s administration has further strengthened the Multinational Joint Task

Force (MJTF) between Nigeria/Chad/Niger;

Nigeria signed a Bilateral Agreement with the Republic of Cameroun to

establish Joint Trans-Border Security in February, 2012;

Nigeria/Benin Joint Border Security patrol has been revived and

strengthened under the present administration;

The 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake

Chad Basin Commission held in N’djamena, Chad offered the opportunity

to energise the Joint Task Force Border Security to assist Nigeria tackle

the growing menace of Boko Haram.

Talks between Nigeria and United States are on-going to incorporate the

security dimension in the Northern part of the Nigeria as a critical

component in the Nigeria/US Bi-National Cooperation (BNC);

Within the period under review the President attended the International

Conference on Somalia on February 23, 2012 at Lancaster House,

London, on Global Terrorism.

UN ASSISTANCE ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

41. As part of our effort at the multilateral level towards the fight against

terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the United

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Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (UNCTITF) and the

United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) launched the

Integrated Assistance On Counter-Terrorism (I-ACT) in Abuja in January 2012.

This signified the readiness of Nigeria and the UN to collaborate in the fight

against terrorism. The I-ACT is a gamut of various technical assistance

programmes to Nigeria amounting to over $US300 million, intended to build

capacity on counter-terrorism.

42. As a first step, the United Nations organized a Seminar in January 2012

for Nigeria’s law-enforcement agencies. Other assistance anticipated in the I-

ACT includes border administration and control, training of law-enforcement

agencies and countering violent extremism. The assistance will also include

collaboration with Interpol and exchange of information on terrorist activities.

Nigeria has also joined the Global Terrorism Forum since September 2011. The

Forum has 30 nations as members and its mandate is to enhance human and

material capacities in member states in the fight against this scourge. Besides,

the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) plans to

organize another training workshop for Nigeria’s Law Enforcement Officers on

suicide attacks and preventive strategies in June 2012. This is part of the I-

ACT initiative launched in Abuja in January 2012.

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SEMINAR ON THE REVIEW OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY AND

POLICY INITIATIVES

43. The Ministry, in partnership with the Presidential Advisory Council on

International Relations, held a Seminar from 1-4 August 2011, to review

Nigeria’s foreign policy. The outcome of this Seminar is being considered by

the Federal Government, for implementation, where appropriate.

44. In addition, the exercise of documenting the various roles, which Nigeria

had played globally is in progress. This is being coordinated by the Nigerian

Institute of International Relations (NIIA), one of the five (5) parastatals under

the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim of this exercise is to document, in

holistic and systematic manner, Nigeria’s role in the world for posterity. Other

parastatals under the Ministry are Foreign Service Academy, the Technical Aid

Corps, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the

Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA). These agencies have

continued to discharge their mandates with greater vigour as we pursue

proper synergy and coordination of them all.

APPOINTMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF AMBASSADORS/HIGH COMMISSIONERS

45. In March 2012, the Ministry concluded an induction course for 88 newly

appointed Ambassadors with their spouses with the mandate to defend

Nigeria’s global interests and pursue our quest for Foreign Direct Investments

(FDIs). These Envoys are expected to depart for their various Missions soon,

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to commence the execution of the country’s foreign policy objectives. As at

today, Agrement, (acceptance, or consent/concurrence of the receiving States

with the Sending State, Nigeria), in respect of 30 of these Ambassadors have

been received from the following countries: North Korea, Argentina, Russia,

Senegal, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Vatican, Switzerland, Greece, Albania

(concurrent accreditation from Italy), Syria, Chad, Ukraine, Liberia, Egypt,

Sudan, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, France, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Namibia,

Jamaica, Vietnam, Cameroon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Malawi, Poland

and Mexico. I wish to express appreciation to these countries for the speed

with which our requests for Agrement was processed. We expect those who

have not responded to do so with minimum delay.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT FOR MID-CAREER OFFICERS (36 +1)

46. This new training programme was designed to adequately equip and re-

train mid-career Foreign Service Officers for better and effective conduct of

Nigeria’s foreign policy. The first batch of this group are already receiving

training in France, Italy, China, United Kingdom, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela,

Switzerland, Turkey, Brazil, Zambia, Philippines and Austria. We intend to

intensify the training and capacity-building programmes in the days to come.

NEW TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR SENIOR OFFICERS

47. In terms of capacity and reform of the Ministry, its internal processes

and systems as well as the Missions abroad, I have just approved a training

programme for senior staff of the Ministry. The course, which is to be called

28

the Senior Diplomatic Management Course, will be mandatory for

directorate level officers. May I add that career progression of officers would

henceforth be based on a system of performance evaluation, while also

serving as a criterion for appointments in the future.

48. In line with the 2006 Reform of the Ministry, I have also re-introduced

the Country Desk Approach, which now situates all matters relating to each

country in one Desk of the Ministry, rather than bifurcating issues into political

and economic segments. Such Desks would be manned by a team of officials,

for ease of coordination and in-depth mastery of issues related to countries

under their purview. This is in line with global best practices in the operation

of Foreign Ministries.

49. As part of our policy of engagement with the Nigerian community

abroad, the Honourable Minister of State I visited the US in January 2012, to

enlighten the Nigerian community on wide-ranging issues, including the fuel

subsidy and the security problems posed by Boko Haram. In the same vein,

Missions have been instructed to take more seriously, their engagements with

the Nigerian communities in their countries of accreditation and to treat them

with greater respect in the discharge of their statutory duties and obligations.

Nigerian missions should no longer be a fortress, a no-go-area to Nigerians in

need of their services and assistance.

50. Our relations with the diplomatic community in Nigeria have also been

top on our priority. We have sought a constructive engagement with the

diplomatic and consular agents in Nigeria, especially on the issue of visas to

29

Nigerians. While some improvements have been noticed in this regard, I seize

this opportunity to appeal to diplomatic and consular missions in Nigeria to

treat Nigerians with respect and dignity in their desire to procure entry visas to

their respective countries. We will not tolerate maltreatment of Nigerians,

either at home or abroad. We will continue to insist that the rights of all

Nigerians in all circumstances are protected.

51. Let me stress that much as the Federal Government would continue to

protect Nigerians and to uphold their rights, Nigerians all over the world have

an obligation to respect the laws and hospitality of their hosts. Very often, the

Ministry had been criticized unfairly for not taking measures to bail out

Nigerians when they run afoul of the laws of foreign countries who must

equally have an obligation to guard their sovereignty. Such criticisms derived

from the unrealistic expectations of what Nigerian Missions abroad can do in

such circumstances, including lawful imprisonment. I wish to appeal to

Nigerian to demonstrate an appreciation of what Nigerian Missions abroad can

do in matters relating to the administration of criminal justice in foreign

jurisdictions.

52. As a matter of duty, Nigerian missions abroad offer all forms of consular

assistance to Nigerians in distress, including regular visits to prisons and

bereaved families. As part of this effort, the Ministry, in collaboration with

other agencies, undertook an evacuation mission to extricate Nigerians

30

trapped in the conflict in Libya. However, funding remains one of the major

challenges in this regard as very little is made available to the Ministry to

prosecute this important responsibility. The Ministry, in partnership with other

relevant agencies, will continue to educate our nationals, as well as raise

awareness about the perils of irregular migration and the need to conduct

themselves responsibly within the laws of their host countries.

ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE ABROAD

53. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently engaged in the construction

and acquisition of additional government properties abroad, to enhance

effective international representation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Since

the inception of this Administration, the Ministry has constructed/acquired a

total of ten (10) new Chanceries; viz: Accra, Athens, Banjul, Bata, Brazzaville,

Bucharest, Damascus, Guinea Bissau, Ouagadougou and Bamako.

54. While many of our Chanceries and Residences are in urgent need of

renovation, some have now been given a face-lift befitting the image of

Nigeria. A visit to our missions in Accra, London, Vienna, Atlanta, Dakar,

Ouagadougou and in a few other places will illustrate what had been achieved

in this regard. Fifteen (15) Official Staff Quarters for Officers were acquired in

the following Missions namely Accra, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Bangui, Bamako,

Beijing, Brasilia, Bujumbura, Dakar, Gaborone, Geneva, Islamabad,

Ouagadougou, Vienna and Windhoek. Two International Schools were

constructed in our Missions in Cotonou and Niamey. In addition, we have

31

constructed five (5) new Residences for Ambassadors/High Commissioners

located in our Missions in Bucharest, Luanda, Mexico City, Sao Tome and

Seoul.

GLOBAL COMMUNICATION NETWORK (GCN)

55. The Global Communication Network project of the Ministry is a new ICT-

based infrastructure that is being deployed across all Nigerian Missions in the

world, for effective and secure real-time communications by audio, data and

video. So far, a total of fifty nine (59) Nigerian diplomatic missions have been

connected with Headquarters and the exercise is on-going.

CONCLUSION Honourable Ministers Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen Members of the Media, 56. I have given an overview of the philosophical underpinnings of Nigeria’s

foreign policy and its new directions. The strategies we have adopted in

seeking the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy have also been

highlighted, including the positive outcomes and achievements that we have

recorded in the last one year.

57. I need only to add that more could be achieved if the Ministry were to be

provided with better resources in terms of funding and provision of equipment.

Many of our Missions are still in debt, arising from low level of budgetary

32

allocations over the years. There is, therefore, the need for increased funding

such that the Ministry could better deliver on its mandate. I therefore seek

the cooperation and understanding of the National Assembly in this regard. I

will like to assure Nigerians that the Ministry will continue to exercise prudent

management of scarce resources in the operation and administration of

Nigeria’s foreign policy.

58. The full list of Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys received in

Nigeria and those met abroad from 11 July 2011 – 17 May 2012 are attached

as Annex to this document.

59. I thank you for your attention.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abuja. 17th May 2012.

33

LIST OF FOREIGN MINISTERS AND SPECIAL ENVOYS

RECEIVED IN NIGERIA FROM JANUARY TO APRIL, 2012

S/NO DATE EVENT/VENUE

1. FRIDAY 6TH

JANUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED FINNISH FOREIGN MINISTER

2. FRIDAY 6TH

JANUARY, 2012

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, GCFR RECEIVED

IN AUDIENCE,DR. ERKKI TUOMIOJA , FOREIGN

MINISTER OF FINLAND WITH HMFA IN

ATTTENDANCE

3. FRIDAY 6TH

JANUARY, 2012

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, GCFR RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE,JEFFREY D. SACHS, SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE UN SECRETARY

GENERAL WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

4. THURSDAY 19TH

JANUARY, 2012

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED MR. WONDIMU GEZAHEGN SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF ETHIOPIA H.E. MR. MELES ZENAWI WITH

HMFA.IN ATTENDANCE

5. TUESDAY 7TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED THE DANISH FOREIGN MINISTER (EU-ECOWAS AND EU-NIGERIA HIGH

LEVEL MEETING)

6. WEDNESDAY 8TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE A 12-MAN DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION LED BY H.E. VILLY SOVNDAL, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

7. MONDAY 13TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVES MR. WILLIAM FITZGERALD, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR AFRICAN

AFFAIRS WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

8. WEDNESDAY 15TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE INTERIM

34

PRESIDENT OF GUINEA BISSAU WITH HMFA IN

ATTENDANCE

9. TUESDAY 28TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF

SRI LANKA H.E. HON. PROF. G.L. PEIRIS

10. MONDAY 13TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED MR. WILLIAM FITZGERALD, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR AFRICAN AFFAIRS

11. TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED ECOWAS PRESIDENT DR. GBEHO

12. WEDNESDAY 15TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED A DELEGATION ON GULF OF

GUINEA LED BY AMBASSADOR UKONGA

13. FRIDAY 17TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (GULF OF GUINEA COMMISSION) MR. MIGUEL TROVOADA WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

14. TUESDAY 28TH

FEBRUARY, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE H.E BINGU WA MUTHARIKA , PRESIDENT OF MALAWI WITH

HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

15. THURSDAY 1ST MARCH, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE ECOWAS COMMISSION PRESIDENT, AMB. KADRE DESIRE QUEDRAOGO

WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

16. MONDAY 5TH

MARCH, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY MR. PAULO JORGE DO ESPIRITO SANTO WITH

HMFA

17. MONDAY 5TH

MARCH 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE, US UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS, WENDY SHERMAN, SPECIAL ENVOY, AMB. CARLOS PASCUAL , AND DEPUTY ASSISTANT

SECRETARY DR.REUBEN BRIGETY

18. FRIDAY 9TH

MARCH, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE NETHERLAND’S VICE-MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE MR. SIMON

35

SMITH.

19. MONDAY 12TH

MARCH, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY MR. MARIUS FRANSMAN, DEPUTY MINISTER OF THE DEPT. OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA.

20. THURSDAY 15THMARCH, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY OF PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA OF SOUTH AFRICA, MS NOSIVIWE MAPHISA-NQAKULA,

MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES .

21. THURSDAY 15TH

MARCH, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE A SPECIAL ENVOY OF PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA OF SOUTH AFRICA, MS NOSIVIWE MAPHISA-NQAKULA, MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WITH HMFA IN

ATTENDANCE

22. THURSDAY 15TH

MARCH, 2012

PRESIDENTJONATHAN RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE A SPECIAL ENVOY OF PRESIDENT ABDOULAYE

WADE OF SENEGAL WITH THE HMFA

23. FRIDAY 9TH

MARCH, 2012

HMFA RECEIVES SOPHIE BUSMANN THE REGIONAL HEAD FOR AFRICA (WORLD

ECONOMIC FORUM)

24. TUESDAY 20TH

MARCH, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE HON.BETHEL NNAEMEKA AMADI, VICE PRESIDENT PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT

25. TUESDAY 3RD APRIL, 2012

HMFA RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE H.E. ABDOU LABO, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, REP. OF

NIGER

26. TUESDAY 3RD

APRIL, 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE MILITARY LEADER OF MALI, COL.

BLONKORO SAMAKE

27. THURSDAY 12TH

APRIL

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE , HON. MARGHERITA BONIVER,SPECIAL ENVOY FOR HUMANITRIAN EMERGENCIES OF THE ITALIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN

AFFAIRS

36

28.. MONDAY 16TH

APRIL 2012

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE H.E. JOANNA HEWITT, ENVOY OF AUSTRALIAN PRIME

MINISTER

MONDAY 16TH APRIL, 2012

H.E. PRESIDENT JONATHAN RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA WITH HMFA IN

ATTENDANCE

37

LIST OF FOREIGN MINISTERS AND SPECIAL ENVOYS MET OUTSIDE NIGERIA FROM JANUARY TO APRIL, 2012

S/NO DATE EVENT/VENUE

1. FRIDAY 6TH

JANUARY, 2012

HMFA ATTENDED ANC CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

2. SUNDAY 22ND JANUARY, 2012

HMFA VISITED ROME ON OFFICIAL

DUTIES

2. THURSDAY 26TH – 27TH JANUARY, 2012

HMFA ATTENDED AU FOREIGN MINISTERS

SUMMIT IN ADDIS ABABA

3. TUESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2012

H.E. DR. GOODLUCK JONATHAN, GCFR ATTENDED A SUMMIT ON SOMALIA WITH HMFA

IN LONDON

4. THURSDAY 22ND

MARCH, 2012

HMFA ATTENDED SECOND NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT WITH MR. PRESSIDENT IN SEOUL,

SOUTH KOREA

5. TUESDAY 10TH – FRIDAY 13TH APRIL, 2012

HMFA ATTENDED AGRICULTURAL INVESTORS FORUM MEETING WITH EXIM BANK IN WASHINTON DC

6. THURSDAY 19TH

APRIL, 2012

H.E. DR. GOODLUCK JONATHAN, STATE VISIT

TO GERMANY WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

MONDAY 23RD

APRIL, 2012

HMFA’S WAS ON OFFICIAL TRIP TO OTTAWA CANADA- ON NIGERIA BI -NATIONAL COMMISSION: SIGNING OF FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT DOCUMENT

38

LIST OF FOREIGN MINISTERS AND SPECIAL ENVOYS

RECEIVED IN NIGERIA FROM JULY TO DECEMBER, 2011

S/NO DATE EVENT/VENUE

1. TUESDAY 12TH JULY, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF MALAYSIA MR. Y.B. DATUK RICHARD RIOT AND HIS DELEGATION

IN HIS OFFICE

2. WEDNESDAY 13TH

JULY, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, DR. ALI AKBAR SALEHI IN HIS OFFICE

3. THURSDAY 14TH JULY, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE PRIVATE MEETING BETWEEN MR. PRESIDENT AND H.E CHANCELLOR, ANGELA MERKEL OF THE REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA.

4. THURSDAY 14TH JULY, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE GRANTED BY MR. PRESIDENT TO THE D-8 FOREIGN

MINISTERS AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL

5. FRIDAY 15TH JULY,

2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY

OF GUINEA BISSAU IN HIS OFFICE

6. MONDAY 18TH

JULY, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE BILATERAL TALKS BETWEEN MR. PRESIDENT AND THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, HON. DAVID CAMERON IN

THE STATE HOUSE

7. TUESDAY 26TH

JULY, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE MEETING BETWEEN MR. PRESIDENT AND THE SPECIAL ENVOY FROM CAMEROUN, H.E. VICE PRIME MINISTER, ALHAJI ALI IN THE STATE HOUSE

39

8. WEDNESDAY 27TH

JULY, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE DELEGATION OF

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA IN HIS OFFICE

9. WEDNESDAY 27TH

JULY, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL ON INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE RUSSIAN STATE CORPORATION (ROSATOM), MR. NIKOLAY N. SPASSKY AND HIS

DELEGATION IN HIS OFFICE

10. MONDAY 1ST

AUGUST 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE GRANTED TO THE PRESIDENT OF COTE D’IVOIRE, H.E. ALLASSANE QUATTARA BY MR. PRESIDENT AT

THE STATE HOUSE

11. TUESDAY 9TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE DELEGATION OF US-BI-

NATIONAL COMMISSION IN HIS OFFICE

12. TUESDAY 9TH,

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE BILATERAL TALKS BETWEEN MR. PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF

NIGER, H.E MAHAMADOU IN THE STATE HOUSE

13. THURSDAY 11TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE BETWEEN MR. PRESIDENT AND THE PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF BENIN, H.E BONI YAYI IN THE STATE

HOUSE

14. FRIDAY 12TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE VIETNAMESE TRADE

DELEGATION IN HIS OFFICE

15. FRIDAY 12TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE GRANTED TO GENERAL J.J. RAWLINGS BY MR PRESIDENT IN

THE STATE HOUSE

16. MONDAY 15TH AUGUST, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE DR. KANAYO F. NWANZE, PRESIDENT OF THE IFAD AND

DELEGATION IN HIS OFFICE

17. TUESDAY 16TH

AUGUST,2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE GENERAL CARTER F. HAM OF AFRICA COMMAND

(AFRICOM) IN HIS OFFICE

18. WEDNESDAY 18TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE GRANTED TO THE ZIMBABWE PRIME MINISTER, H.E MORGAN SHANGARAI BY MR. PRESIDENT IN THE STATE

HOUSE

40

19. SUNDAY 28TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ACCOMPANIED THE DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS TO PAY COURTERSY VISIT ON MR. PRESIDENT IN THE STATE HOUSE

20. THURSDAY 1ST

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE AMERICAN DELEGATION

LED BY PROF. JERRY GANA IN HIS OFFICE

21. MONDAY 12TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED ECOWAS PRESIDENT AMB.

VICTOR GBEHO IN HIS OFFICE

22. WEDNESDAY 14TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT JONATHAN RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON, RT. HON. ALDERMAN MICHEAL BEAR WITH THE HMFA IN ATTENDANCE IN THE STATE HOUSE

23. THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVEDSIN AUDIENCE, MR. LESLIE ROWE SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE PRIME

MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

24. MONDAY 26TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE MINISTER OF

IMMIGRATION FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

25. TUESDAY 4TH

OCTOBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED Ms. HELEN CLARK, UNDP ADMINISTRATOR AND CHAIR OF UNDP GOAL

IN HIS OFFICE

26. FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY OF H.E MR. SALMAN EL-HERFI OF PALESTINE

27. MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER, 2011

MR. PRESIDENT RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SIERRA LEONIAN PRESIDENT, H.E. BAYI KOROMA WITH THE HMFA IN ATTENDANCE IN

THE STATE HOUSE

28. WEDNESDAY 19TH

OCTOBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE VISITING PRESIDENT OF US EXIM BANK, MR. FRED P. HOCHBERG IN HIS OFFICE

29. THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER, 2011

MR. PRESIDENT RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE VISITING PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, H.E. FRANCOIS BOZIZE WITH THE

HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

41

30. THURSDAY 10TH

NOVEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE VISITING PRINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA – WALEED BIN TALAL BIN ABDUL-AZIZ ALSAUD WITH HMFA

31. SATURDAY 12TH

NOVEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER. H.E. ALLAN JUPPE IN HIS

OFFICE

32. FRIDAY 11TH TO SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED THE AUDIENCE GRANTED BY MR. PRESIDENT TO THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF FRNACE, H.E. ALAIN JUPPE IN THE STATE

HOUSE

33. FRIDAY 9TH

DECEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE DELEGATION FROM THE NIGERIAN TURKISH INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

IN HIS OFFICE

34. SATURDAY 10TH

DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. MR PRESIDENT RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, H.E. MR. JACOB ZUMA WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE IN THE

STATE HOUSE

35. SUNDAY 11TH

DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, HOSTED THE FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, TONY BLAIR TO A PRIVATE LUNCH WITH HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

36. SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE PRIME MINISTER OF SAO TOME AND PRECIPE WITH

HMFA

37. MONDAY 19TH

DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE PRESIDENT IDRIS DERBY ITNO OF CHAD WITH THE HMFA

38. WEDNESDAY 21ST DECEMBER, 2011

HMFA RECEIVED THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF BENIN REPUBLIC IN HIS OFFICE

39. THURSDAY 22ND

DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, DR. GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE H.E. DR JEAN PING – AU CHAIRPERSON WITH THE

HMFA

42

40. THURSDAY 22ND

DECEMBER, 2011

H.E. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE SPECIAL ENVOY FROM GABON WITH THE HMFA IN ATTENDANCE

43

LIST OF FOREIGN MINISTERS AND SPECIAL ENVOYS MET OUTSIDE NIGERIA FROM JULY TO DECEMBER, 2011

S/NO DATE EVENT/VENUE

1. THURSDAY 21ST

JULY, 2011

HMFA ACCOMPANIED MR. PRESIDENT ON A

ONE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO LIBERIA

2. MONDAY 8TH

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ACCOMPANIED MR. PRESIDENT ON A ONE DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF CHAD FOR PRESIDENT IDRIS DEBY ITNO’S

INAUGURATION

3. MONDAY 22ND

AUGUST, 2011

HMFA ON OFFICIAL ASSIGNMENT TO ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA TO REPRESENT MR.

PRESIDENT

4. MONDAY 5TH TO TUESDAY 6TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED 10TH INFORMAL NORDIC-AFRICAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING IN

SWEDEN STOCKHOLM

5. WEDNESDAY 7TH TO FRIDAY 9TH

SEPEMBER, 2011

HMFA PAID A THREE DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO

THE UNITED KINGDOM

6. MONDAY 19TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED UNITED NATIONS GENERAL

ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

7. THURSDAY 22ND

SEPTEMBER

HMFA ATTENDED COMMONWEALTH FOREIGN

MINISTERS MEETING IN NEW YORK

8. THURSDAY 29TH

SEPTEMBER, 2011

HMFA MET WITH SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON, SECRETARY OF STATE ON OFFICIAL TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. MONDAY 10TH TO FRIDAY 14TH

OCTOBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED UNITED NATIONS SECURITY

COUNCIL MEETING IN NEW YORK

10. THURSDAY 20TH TO MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDED COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING (CHOGM 2011) WITH MR PRESIDENT IN PERTH - AUSTRALIA

11. MONDAY 21ST NOVEMBER, 2011

HMFA ON A TWO DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO PARIS, FRANCE

44

12. MONDAY 28TH

NOVEMBER, 2011 HMFA OFFICIAL VISIT TO KINGSTON JAMAICA

13. THURSDAY 1ST

DECEMBER, 2011

HMFA PAID A TWO DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO

GERMANY

14. THURSDAY 15TH TO FRIDAY 16TH

DECEMBER, 2011

HMFA ATTENDS TURKISH AFRICA PARTNERSHIP MINISTERIAL REVIEW

CONFERENCE IN TURKEY ISTANBUL

15. SUNDAY 18TH

DECEMBER, 2011

HMFA OFFICIAL VISIT TO ROME FOR SIGNING

OF MOU ON IFAD COUNTRY OFFICE IN NIGERIA