By Babafemi Ojudu
Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads. The crisis triggered by President Donald Trump’s belligerent rhetoric and the ongoing killings at home has created a combustible situation. The longer it lingers, the more it erodes our credibility, weakens our alliances, and exposes our vulnerabilities. This is not the time for rhetorical bravado or reactive statements. It is the time for diplomacy — deliberate, strategic, and far-reaching diplomacy.
We must not fail. If we fail we risk being another Afghanistan, another Libya.
The Urgency of the Moment
The killings within our borders are a tragedy; the international response threatens to become a calamity. Trump’s refusal to back down, coupled with rising Western skepticism about Nigeria’s handling of security and human rights, demands an urgent recalibration of our foreign engagement. The matter is no longer consular — it is existential. We cannot allow external narratives, driven by emotion and politics, to define Nigeria’s image and destiny.
Why Special Envoys Are Needed
In moments of crisis, nations deploy their best — men and women of stature, credibility, and global acceptance — to convey their truth and win allies. Traditional diplomacy, constrained by bureaucracy and protocol, cannot match the pace and intensity of this storm. What is required now is shuttle diplomacy: nimble, high-level engagements with world leaders, policymakers, and influencers in Washington, London, Brussels, and Beijing.
Special envoys, appointed by the President, can move swiftly, speak frankly, and represent Nigeria’s moral and strategic interests with authority. Their mission: to clarify our position, correct misconceptions, prevent escalation, and reaffirm Nigeria’s sovereignty — without alienating our partners or surrendering our dignity.
The Envoys Nigeria Should Deploy
This is a moment to transcend partisanship and harness our finest minds. The following personalities possess the gravitas, experience, and global networks required to navigate this storm:
• Chief Olusegun Obasanjo — Former President and respected African statesman, with enduring influence across global capitals and multilateral institutions.
• Chief Emeka Anyaoku — Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, a man of unblemished integrity whose calm voice carries moral weight in international circles.
• Prof. Yemi Osinbajo — Former Vice President, pastor, and legal scholar, with strong ties to Western Christian and intellectual communities — a bridge between faith, diplomacy, and governance.
• Ambassador Babagana Kingibe — Veteran diplomat and political strategist, with deep connections across Africa and the Middle East.
• Prof. Jide Osuntokun — Historian, scholar, and career diplomat, equipped with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s image and diplomatic traditions.
• Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi — Former Foreign Affairs Minister, combining theoretical insight with practical experience in navigating global power politics.
• Amina J. Mohammed — Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, the most senior Nigerian in the global multilateral system. Her inclusion will signal Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, credible diplomacy and lend vital moral force to our international engagement.
Others such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, World Trade Organization), and Professor Ibrahim Gambari (former UN Under-Secretary-General) could also serve as advisers or special assistants to this high-level diplomatic effort. This list is not exhaustive. There are many other capable Nigerians from all parts of our country who called upon will give their services without asking for any compensation.
Engaging China and the Global South
China must also be engaged firmly but constructively. Its nationals’ involvement in illegal mining and the arming of bandits has worsened our internal insecurity. Beijing must be made to understand that its long-term economic and strategic interests in Africa are better served by a stable, secure Nigeria. In the same vein, outreach should be extended to the EU and African Union, whose voices carry moral authority in mediating global perceptions.
A Call for Statesmanship
History will not forgive hesitation. The world must see Nigeria taking charge of its narrative — not through noisy rebuttals, but through thoughtful persuasion. We have the talent, the credibility, and the networks. What remains is political will and foresight.
Appointing special envoys today could make the difference between a diplomatic rupture and a renewed respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and leadership.
In moments like this, nations rise — or they fall.
- Babafemi Ojudu is a journalist, former senator, and former Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Politcal Matters . He writes The Lens, a newsletter on governance, leadership, and civic renewal.
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