The qualities of a Nigerian diplomat are distinct, honourable and indeed learnable. A Nigerian diplomat is an individual appointed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to conduct international or diplomatic relations and negotiations with one or more other states or international organisations on behalf of the country. Such important responsibility and honour requires adequate preparation, distinctive qualities, attributes, characteristics and skills to perform excellently in representing the interest(s) of the country effectively.
The following are recommended diplomatic qualities of a Nigerian diplomat.
Be Patriotic
In the discharge of his or her duties, every Nigerian diplomat must be patriotic enough to love the country – Nigeria and be ready to promote and defend the country’s interests and set goals. It is important to recommend at this point that a Nigerian diplomat must be able to define his or her personal political ideology and consider how compatible it is with those which he or she is to represent before accepting this significant responsibility. This is important to avoid any unforeseeable professional dissatisfaction and treachery.
Be Passionate
To be a successful diplomat, have an enduring interest in and passion for the technique and profession of international relations and diplomacy – you have to be excited by the engagements of the international community and openness to understand world affairs.
Be Knowledgeable
Relevant history, geography, law, religion, economics, politics, sociology, philosophy, language and literature, media and communication are all very important disciplines that should make up the knowledge base of a successful diplomat. The diplomat is an inter-disciplinary professional and should be well informed with the understanding that these various inter-related disciplines does illuminate choices and prove valuable in providing answers to central questions of policy formulation and implementation. Relevant knowledge about Nigeria is also very crucial.
Be Factual, Analytical & Objective
As a diplomat, it is hugely beneficial to consistently convey a good sense of judgement and reason by possessing an intelligent and sound mind of patiently examining relevant facts available within your reach before deciding and pursing on a set course of action. In other words, always pay attention to detail.
Be a Good Communicator
It is a very important skill for a diplomat to be able to effectively communicate his or her positions to relevant audience both verbally and in writing. Due to the increasingly dynamic environment in which the diplomat operates, he or she must continuously, be conscious to quickly and smartly process information, listen attentively, be clear, brief, and maintain a friendly ambience. It is also very rewarding for the diplomat to be learn, understand and interact in the primary language of the host country especially if this language differs from the diplomat’s natural language.
Be Teachable and Dynamic
All through the career of a diplomat is a constant learning experience, which must be quickly embraced to be able to perform at an optimal level. Regular travels, different cultures and peoples with unique perspectives, extraordinary assignments, etc. would be encountered by the diplomat and therefore has to be teachable, dynamic and flexible.
Be Professional
The Nigerian diplomat as a professional must be disciplined, honest, truthful, courageous, accountable, hardworking, respectful, tolerant, polite, courteous as well as exemplify diplomatic behaviour and protocol.
Be an Effective Negotiator
In the international environment, at the very least, every diplomat has a principal duty to promote the interests of his or her country or state and as such expected to be able to tactfully try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with other diplomats or foreign government representatives. It is not a kill-zone and should not be looked to or treated as such rather, be open to seek for a win-win solution and maintain awareness of beneficial opportunities towards the negotiated issue considering first, the clear line(s) to be maintained guided by the diplomat’s national interest. Thus, a Nigerian diplomat must be conversant with various useful and positive negotiation techniques to be able to achieve his set aim and agenda.
Be Physically and Mentally Fit
With the huge responsibility of a diplomat and the associated pressures, being fit physically and mentally with convenient exercises is highly recommended to be in good health, sound mind and resilient spirit.
Qualities of a Nigerian Diplomat: Your Opinion!
Therefore, from your experiences, insights, observations and understanding of the qualities of a Nigerian diplomat, do you believe Nigerian diplomats currently possess the appropriate diplomatic qualities?
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With due respect, I find it to be a well-structured and commendable foundational document. It clearly outlines the essential qualities expected of a Nigerian diplomat, blending universal diplomatic virtues with nation-specific context. The tone is professional, aspirational, and appropriately formal.
Strengths:
• Clarity of Purpose: It successfully defines the role and establishes the high standard required.
• Comprehensive List: The enumerated qualities cover the critical triad of head (knowledge, analysis), heart (patriotism, passion), and character (professionalism, teach-ability).
• Strategic Emphasis: The focus on patriotism, negotiation (with a win-win mindset), and deep knowledge of Nigeria anchors the diplomat’s work in national interest.
• Practical Advice: Specific recommendations, such as learning the host country’s language and the need for physical/mental fitness, are valuable and operational.
Areas for Enhancement or Addition:
While excellent as a core list, a strategic diplomatic document might also consider emphasizing the following:
1. Digital Literacy & Cyber Diplomacy: In the 21st century, a diplomat must be adept at navigating digital platforms, understanding cyber policy, countering disinformation, and using social media strategically as a tool for public diplomacy and engagement.
2. Network-Building & Influence: Beyond formal negotiation, a key diplomatic skill is building vast, trusted networks across government, business, civil society, and academia in the host country. The document could stress this “relational capital” as a primary asset for advancing interests.
3. Crisis Management & Resilience: Diplomats often operate in volatile environments. Qualities like calm under pressure, adept crisis management, and personal security awareness could be explicitly mentioned.
4. Cultural Intelligence: While being “teachable” and “dynamic” is noted, the concept of Cultural Intelligence—the systematic capability to relate and work effectively across cultures—is a critical, learnable skill that goes beyond general flexibility.
5. Advocacy for Non-State Actors: Modern diplomacy involves engaging with and often advocating to (or regarding) multinational corporations, NGOs, and international media. Acknowledging this broader audience would reflect contemporary practice.
6. The “Dual Mandate”: It might be prudent to subtly acknowledge the diplomat’s duty to both represent Nigeria’s positions and provide frank, objective analysis of the host country’s perspectives and realities to Abuja, even when inconvenient. This reinforces the “factual & objective” point but frames it as a two-way flow of truth.
7. Minor Textual Refinements:
(A) Be Patriotic section: The phrase “personal political ideology” could be nuanced. While personal compatibility is important, the primary allegiance must be to the Constitution and official policy of Nigeria, regardless of personal views. This is a cornerstone of professional diplomatic service.
(B) Be Professional: Consider adding “discreet” and “possessing impeccable integrity” to this list, as trust is the currency of diplomacy.
Conclusion:
This is a very good outline of diplomatic qualities. With the additions suggested above—particularly regarding digital acuity, network-building, and cultural intelligence—it would become a robust, modern, and comprehensive charter for Nigerian diplomats. The core is solid; the enhancements would ensure it is fully aligned with the complexities of contemporary global engagement.
Diplomatic Opinion: Strong foundation. Recommended for adoption with strategic enhancements to ensure it meets both timeless principles and contemporary demands. The poll section should be reconsidered for strategic communications purposes.