Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye has formally assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pledging to strengthen diplomatic engagement, promote professionalism in the foreign service and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in foreign policy implementation.
The former Permanent Secretary and immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations was received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside senior officials, before holding a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Welcoming the new minister, Ahmed described his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career and extensive experience in public service.
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He expressed confidence that Enikanolaiye’s experience would strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and economic diplomacy efforts.
In his inaugural address, Enikanolaiye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, noting that his 35-year career in the ministry saw him rise from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary.
He said his appointment aligns with the administration’s foreign policy priorities anchored on Democracy, Demography, Development and Diaspora, with Africa remaining a central focus of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement.
“At the centre of our foreign policy thrust is the commitment to safeguard our national interest, promote peace and security, and ensure the welfare and protection of our citizens abroad,” he stated.
He pledged to work closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, management and staff to strengthen the ministry’s coordinating role in Nigeria’s international engagements, improve internal systems and restore professionalism in diplomatic practice.
Enikanolaiye acknowledged challenges such as inadequate funding and staff welfare concerns, assuring that efforts would be made to address them through innovative solutions and stakeholder collaboration.
He urged staff to embrace diligence, discipline and excellence, stressing that hard work would be rewarded while unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated.
The minister also called on officers and staff to remain united in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, noting that expectations from citizens and the African continent remain high.
