International Lawyers Decries Delay In Appointments Ambassadors To Nigeria’s Foreign Missions

The International Law Association (ILA) has decried the delay in the appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions,.

Speaking at the press conference heralding   the 8th annual conference

 held at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), the  President of Nigerian  Branch, Professor Damilola Olawuyi called on President Bola Tinubu to  do the needful.

The conference themed: “Fostering Trade and Investment Integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law”, would  explore the role of international law in enhancing the movement of goods and services across borders.

He noted that the operations of the  ambassadors skilled with international law and  diplomacy, will enable the country to experience minimal disruptive impacts of unilateralism and isolation on the current flow of goods and services across borders.

ILA explained that the recent sweeping of trade tariffs by the President of the United States, Donald Trump might affect the stability of international trade, hence the need for President Tinubu to announce the replacement of the ambassadors recalled from their offices, with skilled and qualified individuals, so that Nigeria will not be the sacrificial lamb for the escalating trade tension.

The international legal association specifically charged the President to appoint skilled international law experts with a view to tackling  trade tariffs dispute.

He added that it also seeks to promote idea exchange among Nigerians interested in the study and practice of international law and the promotion of peace and justice worldwide.”This year’s conference, themed “Fostering Trade and Investment Integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law,” provides a timely opportunity to explore the role of international law in enhancing the movement of goods and services across borders. Just a few days ago, United States President, Donald Trump announced sweeping trade tariffs that have left the whole world wondering about the future of international trade as we have known it.

“In an era of unilateral trade tariffs, international law and diplomacy will be central to minimize the disruptive impacts of unilateralism and isolationism on the flow of goods and services across borders. Africa must gear up so that our businesses do not become the sacrificial lambs for the escalating trade tensions. The big question is, are we ready in Nigeria to respond decisively and effectively to the escalating trade tensions?

“Unfortunately, one cannot confidently say so, especially given that we currently do not have ambassadors representing Nigeria’s interests in our permanent missions abroad. It has been close to two years now since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR announced the sweeping recall of all Ambassadors, and as we speak, their replacements are yet to be announced. While we welcome recent announcements about the ongoing selection process, there is a need to ensure a focus on expertise and merit, particularly sound knowledge of international law and diplomacy.

“Nigeria’s ability to attract win-win trade and investment opportunities at this time of urgent need will largely depend on the quality of representation abroad.

“We therefore call on Mr. President (Bola Tinubu) to as a matter of great exigency take urgent steps to appoint highly skilled international law experts as Ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, including to the World Trade Organization, UNCTAD, UNESCO and other United Nations agencies”.

The  Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde urged the federal government to address the barriers to the trade in goods and services across borders, in order to leverage the innovations and products produced by Nigerian Universities such as ABUAD, to meet global demand.

She also called on the FG to certify ABUAD’s Industrial Park as a free trade zone as part of its decisive actions to promote local content.