Citizen Diplomacy in Nigeria

uscpublicdiplomacy.org

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The practice of diplomacy has become increasingly democratic thanks to the onset of digital tools that allow regular citizens to get involved in foreign affairs. This presents a unique opportunity for these people to act as citizen ambassadors, bringing a personalized face of their country to the rest of the world.

However, although it can help facilitate nation branding, citizen diplomacy can be difficult to facilitate. Michael B. Aleyomi and Mohamad Zaini B. Abu Bakar's article "Challenges of Citizen Diplomacy in Nigeria Project, 2007-2010" looks at the struggles with citizen diplomacy under President Musa Yar'Adua's administration.  

According to the authors, "the task of the paper is to underscore the challenges clogging the wheel of citizen diplomacy towards achieving Nigeria project, and to enunciate the way forward for Nigeria’s regeneration." The authors also offer advice on what can be done to improve the practice, including publicizing "citizen diplomacy" in Nigeria and instituting measures to fight corruption.

The full article is available here.