International human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, has sharply criticized the Nigerian government’s recent pronouncements on the joint U.S.-Israel military action in Iran.
Attorney Ogebe described Abuja’s foreign policy as “misguided” and “directionless.”
In a strongly worded statement, Ogebe argued that Nigeria’s diplomatic posture betrays confusion about who its true allies and adversaries are.
He warned that the country risks undermining its credibility on the global stage.
FGN Misguided on Iran
Ogebe, who was recently caught in cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, recounted how Western governments swiftly mobilized to protect their citizens during the crisis, even opening emergency communication channels.
Nigeria, he noted, remained silent.
Yet, days later, Abuja issued statements on the Iran situation — a move he described as evidence of misplaced priorities and religiously driven foreign policy.
“Why is our foreign policy so religiously-driven?” Ogebe asked.
He contrasted Nigeria’s silence during a direct threat to its citizens abroad with its vocal stance on Iran.
He argued that Nigeria’s diplomatic compass is broken, unable to distinguish between friends and foes.
The ‘Trump Effect’ and Global Security
Ogebe linked recent developments in Mexico and Iran to what he termed the “Trump effect,” referencing decisive military actions that have reshaped security dynamics.
He recalled how Mexican citizens grudgingly acknowledged that the takedown of cartel leader El Mencho was influenced by U.S. policy.
Meanwhile, Iranians celebrated the fall of their Supreme Leader in the streets.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Ogebe noted that Christians in the country had welcomed U.S. airstrikes against extremist targets during Christmas, while some Muslim communities reacted angrily.
He suggested that Iran, with its oil wealth and human capital, could have rivaled Israel as a regional power but has instead been crippled by sanctions and misgovernance.
Economic Parallels: Iran and Nigeria
Ogebe highlighted the economic collapse of Iran’s currency, the Rial, which has lost nearly 90 percent of its value since 2018, including a 45 percent devaluation in 2025 alone.
He compared this to Nigeria’s Naira, which has depreciated by 70 percent since mid‑2023, including a 40 percent drop in 2024.
Since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took power in 2015, the Naira has lost nearly 590 percent of its buying power.
While Iran’s decline stems from global sanctions tied to terrorism and nuclear ambitions, Nigeria’s woes, Ogebe argued, are rooted in corruption, sabotage, and poor governance.
He likened Nigeria’s economic plight to Venezuela’s, noting that both countries, despite being oil producers, have some of the poorest performing national oil companies in OPEC.
Nigeria’s Glass House
Ogebe cautioned that Nigeria should not “throw stones from its glass house”.
He recalle Iran’s abuse of diplomatic cover in 2010 when its embassy in Abuja was implicated in smuggling ten container loads of weapons, including rockets and explosives, into Nigeria.
The scandal, which violated UN sanctions, saw Iran’s foreign minister personally intervene to rescue suspects hiding in the embassy.
He criticized former U.S. diplomat Johnnie Carson for downplaying the incident during a congressional hearing, calling it either “a bold-faced lie or inconceivable incompetence.”
Ogebe argued that Nigeria’s failure to hold Iran accountable then makes its current cooperation agreements with Tehran all the more troubling.
Iran, Turkey, and Extremism
Beyond Iran, Ogebe further warned about Nigeria’s partnerships with Turkey.
He cited past incidents of illegal arms smuggling through Turkish Airlines and the recent seizure of ₦13 billion worth of weapons by Nigerian customs.
He condemned the government’s decision to sign security agreements with Ankara despite these violations.
He also pointed to Iran’s role in training and arming Nigeria’s Shiite paramilitary groups, which have clashed violently with the government.
When Nigerian forces killed dozens of Shiite militants, Iran led international protests against Abuja, even as Tehran itself brutally suppressed dissent at home.
Ogebe criticized cleric Sheikh Gumi’s advice to President Tinubu to align with Turkey and Iran instead of the U.S.
He noted that Gumi is banned from Saudi Arabia — a fate he compared to Osama bin Laden’s ostracism before his global notoriety.
America’s Engagement with Nigeria
Despite Abuja’s questionable alliances, Ogebe emphasized that the U.S. has demonstrated goodwill toward Nigeria, sending six high-level delegations in just three months.
He argued that Nigeria is uniquely positioned among countries recently targeted by U.S. military action — unlike Iran and Venezuela, whose leaders were toppled, Nigeria’s leadership remains intact.
“This shows a willingness to partner and assist that Nigeria should neither misuse nor miss,” Ogebe said.
He urged the government to recalibrate its foreign policy toward constructive engagement with Washington.
A Call for Diplomatic Realignment
Ogebe’s critique underscores a broader concern about Nigeria’s foreign policy orientation.
By cozying up to states accused of sponsoring terrorism while neglecting strategic partnerships with allies like the U.S., Nigeria risks isolating itself and jeopardizing its security.
He warned that Nigeria’s diplomatic missteps could have dire consequences, especially given its fragile economy and ongoing battle against extremism.
“Nigeria is better poised to manage bilateral relations and regional security than Iran or Venezuela could.
“A word is enough for the wise,” Ogebe concluded.
