Tinubu, Makinde Politics, Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, and Ogun’s Oil Future Take Centre Stage on Current Affairs Programme

The evolving political relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the current administration, and strategic steps Ogun State must take as it prepares to become an oil-producing state dominated discussions on a recent current affairs programme.
The issues were carefully examined by Dr. Oluranti Afowowe, a political historian and foreign policy analyst from the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, who featured as a guest on the programme, Periscope.
Dr. Afowowe described the engagement between President Tinubu and Governor Makinde as a reflection of pragmatic politics rather than partisan realignment.
“What we are seeing is not necessarily a political merger or defection,” she said. “It is a recognition that governance in Nigeria requires dialogue across party boundaries, especially when national stability and economic survival are at stake.”
She noted that Governor Makinde’s interaction with the President underscores the growing importance of inter-party cooperation, particularly in addressing national challenges such as security, economic reforms and sub-national development.
“Governor Makinde has been clear about his political identity, but that does not stop him from engaging the President on matters that affect his state and the country at large,” Afowowe added.
On the Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu, Dr. Afowowe said the administration appears focused on re-energising Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and repositioning the country within global economic and political circles.
“Foreign policy today is no longer just about protocol and representation,” she explained. “It is about economic diplomacy, attracting investment, strengthening trade relations and protecting Nigeria’s interests abroad.”
She stressed that ambassadorial appointments must go beyond ceremonial roles, imploring Nigerian envoys to function as economic and strategic actors for the country.
“Our ambassadors should be negotiators, investors’ facilitators and image-builders for Nigeria. That is how foreign policy translates into real benefits for citizens,” she said.
The programme also examined Ogun State’s readiness as it moves closer to joining the league of oil-producing states following renewed federal attention to oil exploration in the state’s coastal areas.
Dr. Afowowe warned that oil discovery alone does not automatically translate into development.
“Ogun State must avoid the mistakes made by some oil-producing states,” she cautioned. “Oil should be a tool for development, not a source of conflict, environmental degradation or elite capture.”
She outlined key steps Ogun State must prioritise, including transparent revenue management, community engagement and environmental protection.
“The state must put strong institutions in place now before the oil flows. Host communities must feel a sense of ownership, and environmental safeguards must not be an afterthought,” Afowowe stated.
According to the scholar, the discussions around federal, state relations, diplomacy and resource management highlight the need for strategic governance at all levels.
“Whether it is politics, foreign policy or natural resources, Nigeria must begin to think long-term. Short-term gains without planning have cost us dearly in the past,” she concluded.
The programme ended with a call for sustained public engagement and expert input as Nigeria navigates political realignments, global diplomacy and emerging economic opportunities at the sub-national level.
Tinubu–Makinde Politics, Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, and Ogun’s Oil Future Take Centre Stage on Current Affairs Programme
The evolving political relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the current administration, and strategic steps Ogun State must take as it prepares to become an oil-producing state dominated discussions on a recent current affairs programme.
The issues were carefully examined by Dr. Oluranti Afowowe, a political historian and foreign policy analyst from the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, who featured as a guest on the programme, Periscope.
Dr. Afowowe described the engagement between President Tinubu and Governor Makinde as a reflection of pragmatic politics rather than partisan realignment.
“What we are seeing is not necessarily a political merger or defection,” she said. “It is a recognition that governance in Nigeria requires dialogue across party boundaries, especially when national stability and economic survival are at stake.”
She noted that Governor Makinde’s interaction with the President underscores the growing importance of inter-party cooperation, particularly in addressing national challenges such as security, economic reforms and sub-national development.
“Governor Makinde has been clear about his political identity, but that does not stop him from engaging the President on matters that affect his state and the country at large,” Afowowe added.
On the Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu, Dr. Afowowe said the administration appears focused on re-energising Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and repositioning the country within global economic and political circles.
“Foreign policy today is no longer just about protocol and representation,” she explained. “It is about economic diplomacy, attracting investment, strengthening trade relations and protecting Nigeria’s interests abroad.”
She stressed that ambassadorial appointments must go beyond ceremonial roles, imploring Nigerian envoys to function as economic and strategic actors for the country.
“Our ambassadors should be negotiators, investors’ facilitators and image-builders for Nigeria. That is how foreign policy translates into real benefits for citizens,” she said.
The programme also examined Ogun State’s readiness as it moves closer to joining the league of oil-producing states following renewed federal attention to oil exploration in the state’s coastal areas.
Dr. Afowowe warned that oil discovery alone does not automatically translate into development.
“Ogun State must avoid the mistakes made by some oil-producing states,” she cautioned. “Oil should be a tool for development, not a source of conflict, environmental degradation or elite capture.”
She outlined key steps Ogun State must prioritise, including transparent revenue management, community engagement and environmental protection.
“The state must put strong institutions in place now before the oil flows. Host communities must feel a sense of ownership, and environmental safeguards must not be an afterthought,” Afowowe stated.
According to the scholar, the discussions around federal, state relations, diplomacy and resource management highlight the need for strategic governance at all levels.
“Whether it is politics, foreign policy or natural resources, Nigeria must begin to think long-term. Short-term gains without planning have cost us dearly in the past,” she concluded.
The programme ended with a call for sustained public engagement and expert input as Nigeria navigates political realignments, global diplomacy and emerging economic opportunities at the sub-national level.