.As House Moves to Repeal its Act after 60 years
Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
Members of the House or Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs
NIIA Prof.Eghosa Osaigie have call for the proper funding of the institute for optimal performance of its mandate.
They spoke at the public hearing on the ‘Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs NIIA Act at the House of Representatives National Assembly on Thursday.
Chairman of the House Committee Hon. Dr. Yusuf Buba Yakub in a opening remarks said that the best days of the NIIA are clearly behind us.
He noted that the NIIA is faced with the gloomy picture of a once vibrant center of excellence and progressive ideals in foreign policy, a foremost piece of pride for our country.
He noted that the institute which use to be a hub of intellectual activities and melting point of ideas had faced many challenges in both funding and management adding that it was at a time comparable to other highly rated institutions globally.
He added that the NIIA had been one of the specialized institutes for foreign policy formulation analysis and guidance in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Director-General of the NIIA Prof.Eghosa Osagie said that the agency had been left behind in global affairs.
He told the House Committee that the agency is facing huge staffing problems as only eight researchers and the DG are the think thank that provide the trainings being undertaking by the NIIA..
He also called for adequate funding of the foremost foreign policy training institution.
