A former Nigerian diplomat and public policy expert, Mr Oseloka Obaze, has expressed concern over what he describes as the gradual erosion of professional standards in Nigeria’s Foreign Service.
Obaze called for institutional reforms to strengthen the country’s diplomatic capacity, preserve institutional memory and restore professionalism in the conduct of foreign relations.
He made the observations while reviewing a 377-page memoir, My Diplomatic Sojourn – The Full Story, written by Ambassador Chudi Okafor, a retired career diplomat who served Nigeria for 35 years.
Obaze also urged retired ambassadors and career diplomats to document their experiences, warning that Nigeria risks losing valuable historical records, institutional knowledge and lessons from decades of diplomatic engagements if such accounts are not preserved for future generations.
The book review, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s diplomatic history, the challenges confronting its Foreign Service and the importance of institutional continuity in advancing national interests.
Obaze, a former Secretary to Anambra State Government under Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, identified administrative bottlenecks and institutional weaknesses as challenges undermining the effectiveness of Nigeria’s diplomatic establishment, warning that they had contributed to what he termed a “dilution of foreign service standards.”
He noted that Okafor’s memoir offered valuable insights into the internal workings of Nigeria’s diplomatic service, including the professional demands, administrative challenges and policy considerations that shaped the country’s foreign relations over several decades.
He also raised concerns about reciprocity in Nigeria’s bilateral relations, citing the country’s diplomatic engagements with Russia as an example of the need for greater balance and mutual recognition in international partnerships.
Reviewing the memoir, Obaze commended Okafor for providing an account of his diplomatic experiences while exercising the discretion required of a former public official entrusted with sensitive state information.
He described diplomatic memoirs as important historical resources that offer firsthand perspectives on policy formulation, negotiations, international engagements and the institutional circumstances surrounding major foreign policy decisions.
Obaze situated Okafor’s publication within Nigeria’s tradition of diplomatic memoir-writing, referencing accounts by distinguished diplomats and public officials, including Simon Adebo, Joe Garba, Olujimi Jolaoso, Olufemi George, Lawrence Agubuzu and Ade Adefuye.
The 13-chapter memoir chronicles Okafor’s early life, National Youth Service Corps experience and progression through Nigeria’s diplomatic establishment.
The publication also examines his assignments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lagos and Abuja, as well as his service at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
With a career spanning 35 years, Okafor’s experiences offer a perspective on the evolution of Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions, the demands of representing the country abroad and the relationship between domestic administrative structures and foreign policy implementation.
