The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the Tinubu government over the recent United States travel advisory that places Nigeria on Level 3: "Reconsider Travel". According to the ADC, this advisory is a direct result of the government's failure to address insecurity and Nigeria's worsening healthcare system ¹.
Key Points of ADC's Criticism
- *National Humiliation*: The ADC describes the travel advisory as a "national humiliation" and a reflection of the government's inability to protect citizens and uphold the country's image abroad.
- *Lack of Ambassadors*: The party criticizes the absence of Nigerian ambassadors in key global capitals, particularly Washington D.C., labeling it an "abdication of responsibility" and accusing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of trivializing urgent diplomatic appointments under the guise of reforms.
- *Diplomatic Vacuum*: The ADC notes that Nigeria has had no high-level diplomats in place to engage with new administrations in G7 countries that have changed leaders since October 2023, resulting in a significant diplomatic failure.
- *Healthcare Infrastructure*: The US advisory explicitly mentions the collapse of Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure, warning foreigners to consider evacuation insurance before visiting. The ADC questions, "What kind of country are we becoming? One where a visitor must plan for emergency airlift before stepping off the plane?" ² ³
ADC's Call to Action
The party urges President Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria's diplomatic representation and demonstrate a commitment to governance by urgently addressing the gaps in the nation's foreign policy engagement. The ADC emphasizes that diplomacy is not a "side hustle" and that Nigeria cannot afford to remain voiceless on the global stage while its image deteriorates internationally ¹ ⁴.
Conclusion
The ADC's statement highlights the need for the Tinubu government to take immediate action to restore Nigeria's standing on the global stage. By appointing ambassadors and addressing the country's healthcare and security issues, the government can work towards improving the country's image and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens ⁵.
