Enikanolaiye Assumes Office as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Pledges Stronger Diplomacy
Oru Leonard
Abuja, June 8, 2026 — Newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on Monday formally assumed duty at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pledging to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, improve staff welfare, and advance the country’s foreign policy objectives.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye was received at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside senior directors and officials. He later held a private meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, before a reception was organised in his honour.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary described Enikanolaiye’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career and extensive experience in public service.
He noted that the minister’s decades of service, including his tenure as Permanent Secretary and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, would strengthen efforts to promote Nigeria’s foreign policy interests and economic diplomacy.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations praised Enikanolaiye’s dedication and professionalism, expressing confidence that his return to the ministry would enhance the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and described his return to the ministry, where he rose through the ranks from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary, as both nostalgic and humbling.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture in line with the administration’s strategic priorities, stressing that the nation’s diplomacy would continue to focus on protecting national interests, promoting peace and security, advancing development, strengthening democratic values, and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.
The minister emphasized that the protection of Nigerians, particularly those living overseas, would remain a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to Africa, noting that the nation’s peace, security, and prosperity are closely tied to developments across West Africa and the continent.
Highlighting his vision for the ministry, Enikanolaiye called for teamwork, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reforms. He pledged to work closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary, and ministry staff to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with the international community while improving internal systems and restoring professional excellence within the foreign service.
The minister acknowledged challenges facing the ministry, including funding limitations and staff welfare concerns, assuring employees that efforts would be made to explore innovative solutions to improve efficiency and morale.
He urged officers and staff to uphold diligence, discipline, and professionalism, promising that outstanding performance would be recognised while misconduct would not be tolerated.
Enikanolaiye concluded by calling for unity and renewed commitment among ministry personnel, stressing that Nigeria must continue to strengthen its diplomatic influence and effectively project its interests on the global stage.
