Once again, the widely held notion that politicians are bad diplomats has been disproved. His Excellency Eric Tonye Aworabhi, Nigeria Ambassador to Italy is excellence personified. He combines efficiency with humility and openness. No wonder he is well loved by Nigerians in Italy. His open door policy and the premium he placed on Nigeria and Nigerian issues in Italy easily put him in the good books of his people. In this interview with ARM’s international correspondent Akinola Akingbala, the Ambassador gave a vivid account of his stewardship and the state of relations between Nigeria and Italy. This is definitely a thump up for the Nigerian Foreign Service.
Your Excellency, how would you describe Nigeria’s role in international diplomacy?
Right from independence, Nigeria has played a major role – visible and audible – in her international diplomacy. Basically this is based on some principles: Nigeria understands that every independent nation is equal, irrespective of size, population or other parameters. That we need not align ourselves to any of the major blocs, i.e. we need to be neutral to maintain our independence. Nigeria also believes in the non-interference of one nation in the internal affairs of another, except by invitation. With this as background, Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust has been Afrocentric – whatever affects Africa, affects Nigeria. Nigeria is, therefore, the voice of Africa. She, therefore, will stand and protect the interest of Africa. Because of this creed, fortified by its size and the national endowments that God has given her, Nigeria cannot abdicate that position. She has been vocal, visible and effective when it comes to practicalising her Afro-centric policy. Whether it was military or civilian government, the policy has been constant!
What plans and strategies are you deploying to avail the intents of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda to the international community especially in Italy?
It is a good thing that the current administration has realized from experience that Government is not a good businessman. It has, therefore, taken deliberate steps to retrace its steps in many sectors of the economy stressing that it need not dabble into critical areas where it is least endowed to handle. For instance, if we think of the various government parastatals, you will agree with me that they have let us down; think of Nigerian Airways, its gone; Nigerian Railway Corporation was in comatose, until this present administration came and we can go on and on. What government is saying is that, we need to provide an environment to allow public-private partnership (PPP) in key sectors of the economy, where open competition and the profit motive would engender efficiency and better service delivery.
Take example of the GSM that we now enjoy in Nigeria. Before its advent, anybody who needed a line had to pay around N24,000 and wait for ages for it to be installed and the service was very poor, but today, the taxi driver, the fisherman, the cattle-rearer can have a line and talk with anybody in the world because it is private sector driven. You will see clearly that the purpose of the transformation agenda is to grow the economy, provide basic socio-economic facilities, create unemployment and improve the standard of living of our people.
For the PPP to thrive we need foreign direct investment and we have done quite a lot in that direction. Italian businessmen are eager to invest in Nigeria, because it is one of the fastest growing economies. Secondly, they have already been in Nigeria since the 60s and are doing very good business. Even with the security challenges in the country, when we talk to Italian investors, they are eager and willing to go. We have never missed any opportunity of promoting the idea that Italy can be part of Nigeria in terms of investment and the response is encouraging.
Going by your understanding, what is the state of trade and general relationship between Nigeria and Italy today?
There is a robust trade between Nigeria and Italy – basically finished products, such as chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, leather products, furniture and wine coming from Italy and raw materials such as crude oil and gas from Nigeria. The balance of trade is in favour of Nigeria. We are working towards even improving on this. If, for instance, Italian investors set up factories in Nigeria to process our wood and hides and skins, the overall effect would add value in terms of increased exports, employment and technology transfer.
You mention oil and gas, taking into cognizance the recent re-basement of the Nigerian economy, what are you doing to broaden the frontier of trade between Nigeria and Italy into other areas?
That is a very good question. Oil and gas, as you know, will not remain with us forever, but agriculture will. That is an area we are getting Italian investors interested. Currently, yield per acre is low, but even at that, quite a substantial part of agricultural output gets wasted – it is not uncommon to see mountains of mangoes and oranges rotting away, because of inadequate access to markets and insufficient processing plants. Think of tropical fruits like pawpaw, mango and guava. I have been here for two years; the products back home are far more superior to what is available here. The natural taste and fragrance that they have is just nostalgic. A situation where, in partnership with our local farmers, an investor grows, processes and exports these products would definitely broaden the trade frontier between the two countries. This is just an area, among many others, where the same principle could be applied for mutual benefit.
Nigeria is in the throes of Boko Haram insurgency, what are you doing to secure the cooperation and support of the Italian government?
I think that the Boko Haram issue is no longer local; it has been internationalized. I do not pretend to know, nor do I have the authority to give you the details of what is being done, even if I knew, but I would not be surprised, if Italy is part of the international effort to help Nigeria in this area.
The Chibok girls kidnapping did put Nigeria at the epicentre of global discuss, how did you explain the government intentions and efforts to rescue these girls and other policies of the administration on the rights of girl child and women in general?
Actually when the Chibok girls issue arose, we were afraid as to what the reaction of the Italian authorities and NGOs would be. Several peaceful demonstrations (here we call them manifestations) were organised under the “Bring Back Our Girls” hashtag. Some led by prominent women politicians, came to the Embassy, where they addressed us and handed over letters addressed to Mr. President. Others invited us to their rallies in Rome and outside Rome – we attended all such invitations. Amnesty International also came to the Embassy to interview us. We were also invited to dialogue with a Committee of the Italian Parliament. The bottom-line in all this – was not to blame, but to know what was being done and what could be further done to solve the problem.
At each encounter, the common understanding was that the Nigerian government considers the best interests of the unfortunate girls paramount: that government was not just sitting idle and watching events. On the contrary, whatever is being done with the collaboration of the international community was in pursuit of the best interests of the girls – that they return home safe and sound and, where necessary, mount measures to properly rehabilitate them into society.
Talking about the rights of the girl-child and women in general, it is clear that Government has been proactive in that regard. First, let us remind ourselves that the 270 girls were abducted in a school. What were they doing? To participate in a mass marriage ceremony? No! They were there to take examinations – after completing secondary school curriculum. That already gives us an idea of what Government has done to promote girl-child education.
In fact, Government does not discriminate against the girl-child or women. You need not be informed that a woman is the Chief Justice of Nigeria and that a woman also heads the Federal Court of Appeal. We need not emphasize the fact that in Mr. President’s cabinet, 35% of Ministers are women. We do not need to remind ourselves that a Nigerian woman has been the Controller General of Immigration. The list is long and impressive. There is no discrimination against women in Nigeria: a woman can rise to any height, and the doors are wide open. In politics, women have occupied key positions, such as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and they are performing creditably as distinguished Senators and honourable members of the House of Reps. Maybe I should also mention the fact that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who is the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy is a woman. These are some of the things that I told the Italian Parliamentarians and one of them reeled out statistics to show that Nigeria had done quite well as far as girl-child education was concerned.
Human trafficking and prostitution, Italy is perhaps Nigeria’s bedrock of this illicit trade. There has been a lot of collaboration between the Nigerian and the Italian governments to curb this, what have you been doing on this issue?
Italy is like the gateway to other countries in Europe where human trafficking and prostitution take place. First, let me correct the impression: prostitution is neither illicit nor illegal in Italy and other countries in Europe. Prostitution is a profession and those who engage in it are expected to be registered and pay taxes like any other professional. What we are not sure about is whether all those who flock into Italy to practice the trade are doing so legally – their mode of entering into the country and the conditions under which they operate might be responsible for this lapse.
The two countries have entered into a concrete agreement by which the two problems of prostitution and human trafficking are being tackled. A number of Nigerian Policemen/women are placed strategically in some airports in collaboration with their Italian counterparts to check this trade. They have been performing creditably and the Italian authorities appreciate their role.
Apart from that, we have collaborated with some NGOs and encouraged them in their work of reforming and rehabilitating those who wish to retrace their steps. I must add that when some of these girls run into trouble, the Embassy intervenes as much as it is legal to do so.
Going by what you’ve said, Italy is one of Nigeria’s major trading partners in Europe, yet little or nothing is seen of its participation in the on-going transformation programmes of this administration. What do you think is responsible for this and what are you doing to redress it?
I think that it is just an impression because I know that the relationship between Nigeria and Italy is very cordial and she has done quite a number of things for our country. She has been very useful in the area of capacity building where Nigerian officers from several sectors have had their skills sharpened here in Italy. One example is the Masters Degree programme mounted for Diplomats. Italy is not a noise maker; she works quietly and effectively.
Coming to her participation in our transformation programme, you need to visit our Consular Section, to see the number of Italians applying for Nigerian visas. They do not go there to enjoy the sun; they go in search of viable investments and investment partners. The fact that Italian companies in Nigeria have not folded up or their staff returned home in the face of current challenges helps us greatly, whenever we tell prospective investors that being part of the transformation programme is safe and profitable. Apart from programmes initiated by the Italian authorities, most times in collaboration with the private sector, we have participated in conferences, seminars and events relating to the economic development of Nigeria and Africa. We have on our own, organised meetings and tours with prospective investors. We have also hosted and assisted quite a number of Nigerian businessmen visiting Italy in search of investment partners.
In a nutshell, the Italian government is doing quite a lot to cement and further improve the relationship existing between our two countries. We are glad to be playing a modest role in the same direction.
We have seen the Chinese, French and the American coming full force to invest in the Nigeria real sector, what is the Italian doing?
The Italian economy is third in Europe, but you may be aware that it has suffered decline. It is, therefore, no surprise that Italian investors are hungry and thirsty for opportunities where to invest their idle capital and technological know-how. Italian investors are quick to tell you that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is an attractive investment destination. We have already mentioned the steady stream of Italians visiting Nigeria for the purpose of scouting for investment opportunities and partners. In addition, a good number of Italians are already engaged in various sectors of our economy – oil and gas, construction, to mention a few. In another year or two, you will see what they are doing and what they can do; given the quality that is Italian.
Where do you place Nigerian citizens in your responsibility portfolio taking into account problems of discrimination, illegal detention and general maltreatment of Nigerians?
I remind myself that I am a Nigerian sent here to promote the interest of Nigeria and, of course, the interest of Nigerians. By word and action, we show that we are here to serve them and that they are our priority, provided that they carry out their activities within the ambit of the law. That is citizen diplomacy. A few examples would do. We are in touch with NIDOE and NUNAI and maintain a healthy relationship with them. The Embassy is usually invited and we have had no cause to turn down an invitation to observe the elections into offices of the Nigerian associations in any part of Italy. We have gone on tour of the major cities of Italy where there are concentration of Nigerians. In each city visited the Ambassador was accompanied by the Executive of the Nigerian Association and they were introduced to the authorities – the Prefect, Mayor, Questura, the Head of Immigration and the Chamber of Commerce.
That tour was most successful, as several objectives were achieved – fostering understanding and friendship between the authorities and our people and showcasing the country’s investment opportunities. A town hall meeting ended each visit, where, among other things, our people and the Embassy officials discussed issues and problems – some peculiar, most common. Those that could not be resolved on the spot were noted for later action. We have visited Nigerians in prison, hospital, holding camps, rehabilitation centres and attended court to observe proceedings. We have celebrated Nigeria’s National Day and the Africa Day where the Nigerian culture was showcased. I can tell you that Nigerians here are patriotic and proud to be Nigerians.
Now that we are talking of Nigerians, how would you describe the general profile of Nigerians in Diaspora? And how can this be exploited for the growth of our country?
The Diaspora is a veritable source from which government has drawn in the past and can still draw, because some of the best brains in Nigeria are from the Diaspora. A few examples will suffice – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, not to talk of the States where commissioners and top government functionaries are drawn from the Diaspora. These people have left the shores of Nigeria, seen better things, if I may say so, and if they are patriotic and I think most Nigerians are, they will be able to bring in their wealth of experience garnered over the years for the good of Nigeria, add value to the economy and, maybe, also improve on the culture of our people as far as hard work and service delivery are concerned. In Italy here, I’m proud to say we have the President of IFAD, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze who is a Nigerian. You saw him at the 54th Independence dinner. We have Dr. Yahaya Olaniran the Permanent Representative to FAO, you also saw me with a young man with a special hairstyle at the dinner – that was Super Eagles star, Onazi, who plays professional football here in Italy. There are also a number of good Nigerian writers here but let me just mention one person. Dr. Kaius Ikejezie has written a book titled ‘The Learned’, the book, in my opinion, is a must-read for all Nigerian leaders, both present and future.
Generally, if all the Nigerian Diaspora, say the doctors are withdrawn to Nigeria, believe you me, the world medical system will have a big problem, because they occupy key positions and provide excellent services everywhere they are. If the infrastructural problems being addressed by the transformation agenda of this administration come to fruition by say, 2020 and this army of professionals from the Diaspora return home, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.
Having said so, do we have to wait until then? Why not return and join in baking the cake now?
We were treated to Nigerian cuisine and music at the 54th independence dinner, what more are you doing to promote our rich culture?
What you saw on 1st October 2014 was on a minor scale – meant for the Diplomatic Corps. It is unfortunate you would not be around to join us at the Residence for the same event being organised for the Nigerian Diaspora on 4th October 2014. You would be missing Nigerian culture on a fuller scale and splendour. We take part every year in the African Day where Nigerian food, dance, music and fashion parade are fully displayed and, of course appreciated by all. We have also encouraged our people to teach our indigenous languages to their offspring.
Your Excellency, 2015 is around and a lot of gladiators are getting set to jostle for power, what is your take on this?
Eh! 2015! That is a remarkable year! The good thing about Nigeria is that it has grown democracy uninterruptedly for 15 years. Democracy allows every body to say what he wants to say. You will recall at the Nigerian Day Dinner that I quoted Mr. President as having said that he was the most criticized and abused President in the world. That is true and can only happen in a democracy. Nigerians also have a right to choose their own President and I believe they did not take a wrong decision when they massively gave him their mandate in 2011. Mr. President has done creditably well in every theatre of the socio-economic space. He is a quiet achiever, one who would decline to blow his own trumpet, even if you bring it close to his mouth. I am not surprised that the ruling party, the PDP, has unanimously endorsed him as the Party’s sole presidential candidate in 2015.
Let me say there that the greatest leaders in world history were reluctant leaders – people had to prevail on them to bear the mantle of leadership. Mr. President has worked hard enough and long enough for Nigerians to know he is their man. I know that with the great intelligence God has endowed Nigerians; they will elect him once more, to continue to do what he has been doing for the nation.
On a last note, what is a typical day in the office for you? And how do you unwind?
A typical day in the life of an Ambassador could be unpredictable. It could be divided into two – structured and unstructured. The structured part deals with a set of pre-arranged engagements and routine duties. That part that is unstructured deals with emergencies, unscheduled summons and unplanned issues all of which may be quite important. A typical day, therefore, could be hectic, challenging, demanding, but usually fulfilling.
I unwound in the gym, play indoor games, listen to music, read novels, visit friends and places and monitor the news from Nigeria and the world at large.
