Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to lead a multilateral diplomatic effort to challenge United States policy in the Middle East, specifically regarding the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Falana advised Nigeria to revive its tradition of active foreign policy by collaborating with other nations to encourage restraint and uphold international law. He stressed the need to persuade major powers like Russia and China to use their diplomatic influence with Iran, stating, “We need to persuade China and Russia to intervene because those are the two countries that Iran will listen to.”
Falana sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach, alleging a disregard for international norms. “President Trump has no regard and shows contempt for international law. Hence, he has pulled the United States out of about 66 resolutions of the United Nations,” he said, accusing the administration of treating UN resolutions as meaningless.
He urged Nigeria to adopt the multilateral spirit of the historical Non-Aligned Movement, working collectively to “mount pressure” on the U.S. administration. Beyond international diplomacy, Falana argued that Nigeria must strengthen its internal security to reduce foreign dependency. “Unless you reorganise your own country, unless you equip your armed forces and your police force, there is no way an imperialist country like America will guarantee law and order in your country,” he stated, praising the historical performance of Nigerian troops in UN and ECOWAS peacekeeping missions.
The lawyer also turned to domestic economic policy, questioning the operational status of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries. He noted that despite approximately $2.9 billion spent on maintenance, the facilities remain non-functional, creating an unhealthy dependence on the private Dangote Refinery. “Is that how to run a country?” he asked, highlighting the alleged financial losses.
Falana’s remarks combine a foreign policy critique with a domestic governance agenda, suggesting that Nigeria’s credibility in international advocacy depends on bolstering its own institutions and economic independence. His proposals point toward a more assertive and principles-driven role for Nigeria on the global stage, anchored in renewed multilateral cooperation and internal reform.
