Honourable Abdussamad Dasuki has called on President Bola Tinubu. Dasuki represents the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State. He urged the President to consider retired military officers for ambassadorial roles. These officers should be part of the next batch of nominees.

Dasuki made this assertion in a recent statement. He highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of experienced military officers. These officers have undergone extensive strategic and tactical training. They have participated in high-level operations. Many have also gained invaluable battlefield experience throughout their careers.

He argued that retired officers would be highly beneficial as ambassadors. This is particularly true for nations engaging Nigeria on military support. Such roles would also aid the procurement of arms and armaments. These items are vital for the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

“Our retired senior military personnel have served this nation with distinction,” Dasuki stated. He emphasized their firsthand understanding of modern warfare. Their expertise also covers counter-terrorism strategies and defence procurement. This unique position allows them to advance our national interests abroad.

He continued: “Deploying them as envoys to strategic countries offers multiple benefits. It will strengthen negotiations for essential military hardware. It also ensures the government receives informed, experience-based strategic advice. This is crucial at a time when the military needs modern reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs. These tools are essential to combat all forms of armed conflicts. Such conflicts have become existential threats to our country.”

Dasuki acknowledged that the appointment of ambassadors is solely the President’s constitutional right. However, he stressed the current realities. These demand a more security-focused approach to foreign representation. This is especially true in key strategic countries.

“Insecurity has remained our nation’s most pressing challenge. This has been the case for over two decades. The situation has worsened recently. We see unacceptable levels of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks. These occur across many parts of the country. Such extraordinary times require extraordinary strategic alignment. This includes our foreign policy direction. It also covers the calibre of individuals deployed to advance it,” he explained.

Dasuki further noted that a nation’s strategic needs must shape its foreign policy. This is particularly important when selecting envoys. It applies to countries where military and security cooperation is a top priority.