Nigeria's foreign policy and response to anti-migrant attacks

The author questions if Nigeria has a coordinated, proactive, or reactive approach to incidents affecting its citizens, especially in light of recurring anti-migrant attacks in South Africa. The piece emphasizes the importance of reciprocity as a guiding principle in foreign relations, citing its use in ECOWAS-EU agreements and by Western nations. The author suggests that Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFA needs a prepared list of actions and sanctions to deploy when other nations act inimically to Nigeria's interests.

The article also highlights the need for adequate and up-to-date data on countries, their assets, and their nationals operating in Nigeria to effectively implement sanctions. The author proposes that MOFA establish a "Sanction Unit" with dedicated professionals to gather relevant data and identify instruments of sanction, arguing that a nation that does not display strength is not taken seriously.