ABUJA — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a people-centred foreign policy driven by national interest, economic diplomacy, and strategic autonomy.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Society for International Relations and Awareness (SIRA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
He said Nigeria’s foreign policy is being repositioned under the Renewed Hope Agenda to prioritise citizens’ welfare through four pillars—Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy. “A strong domestic economy remains the foundation of an effective foreign policy,” Enikanolaiye stated, adding that diplomatic engagements would continue to align with national interest.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen professionalism and improve coordination within the ministry and across government agencies. He stressed the need for synergy among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s external relations.
On xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, Enikanolaiye said the government is pursuing diplomatic and multilateral channels. “Nigeria has mobilised regional support within ECOWAS to elevate the matter to the African Union while maintaining constructive engagement with the South African Government,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s strategic autonomy, the minister noted that the country would maintain balanced relations globally. He reaffirmed commitment to longstanding positions, including the One China Policy, as part of efforts to safeguard national unity and development.
Earlier, SIRA President Owei Lakemfa commended the minister’s appointment and pledged support for promoting foreign policy awareness. He noted that many national developments stem from the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, stressing the need for broader public understanding.
Lakemfa also praised the government’s response to xenophobic incidents and expressed readiness to collaborate on research, advocacy, and strategic engagement to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration between government, academia, and civil society to enhance diplomacy and support national development.
