Nigeria Committed to Stronger Citizen- Centre Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Reforms- Enikanolaiye
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy institutions and ensuring that diplomacy delivers tangible benefits to citizens, as part of efforts to reposition the country’s foreign service for greater effectiveness.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shola Enikanolaiye, stated this while receiving a delegation of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Joe Keshi, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
According to the minister, the ministry is undergoing a strategic review aimed at repositioning it to better advance Nigeria’s national interests through comprehensive institutional reforms, enhanced capacity building, improved records management and stronger administrative structures.
Enikanolaiye acknowledged the contributions of retired diplomats to Nigeria’s foreign service, noting that their experience remains vital for mentoring younger officers and preserving institutional memory within the ministry.
He explained that Nigeria’s foreign policy would continue to be guided by a people-centred framework anchored on the principles of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, popularly known as the 4-Ds, with an added focus on economic value creation.
“The welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerians must remain at the centre of foreign policy formulation and implementation,” he said.
The minister stressed the need to deepen economic diplomacy by attracting investments, expanding trade opportunities and leveraging diplomatic engagements to support national development. He also called for innovative solutions to address funding challenges facing the ministry, including stronger collaboration with the private sector and more efficient management of Nigeria’s diplomatic assets abroad.
On the welfare of retired diplomats, Enikanolaiye assured members of ARCAN that the ministry would continue engaging relevant government agencies to address outstanding pension and welfare concerns affecting retired Foreign Service officers.
Addressing recent developments involving Nigerians in South Africa, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad through dialogue and diplomacy. He disclosed that efforts were underway to reactivate bilateral platforms such as the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission and the Early Warning Mechanism to strengthen cooperation and address emerging concerns affecting citizens of both countries.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with its neighbouring countries, the Sahel region, Africa and other strategic partners across the world, describing such engagements as critical to national security, regional stability and economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of ARCAN, Keshi congratulated the minister on his appointment and pledged the association’s support for efforts aimed at advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. He emphasised the importance of sustained investment in diplomatic capacity building and the effective use of bilateral mechanisms to address challenges in Nigeria’s relations with key partners, particularly South Africa.
Both parties agreed to a stronger collaboration in support of institutional reforms, diplomatic excellence and the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.
