The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with foreign relations professionals as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s diplomatic service and align the country’s foreign policy with national development priorities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN), led by its First Vice President, Ambassador Sani Saulawa Bala, in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Enikanolaiye described the Ministry as the professional home of both serving and retired diplomats, noting that the wealth of experience within the association remains a valuable national asset that should be harnessed to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions.
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He said the Federal Government was repositioning the nation’s foreign service through institutional reforms, enhanced stakeholder collaboration and a foreign policy that places the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians at the centre of international engagements.
“Our foreign policy must deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians through economic growth, investment promotion, job creation, poverty reduction, national security and the protection of Nigerians abroad,” the Minister said.
He highlighted ongoing reforms within the Ministry, including the revitalisation of policy planning structures, institutional committees, diplomatic training programmes, inspection mechanisms and merit-based administrative processes aimed at improving professionalism, transparency and efficiency across the Foreign Service.
The Minister also stressed the need to deepen public understanding of the role of diplomacy in national development, saying increased awareness would help strengthen institutional support and improve funding for Nigeria’s foreign service.
According to him, the Ministry is exploring innovative funding mechanisms while engaging relevant government institutions to enhance resource mobilisation for effective service delivery.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye identified policy research, strategic advisory services, diplomatic training, mentorship, capacity building, public advocacy and strategic communication as key areas for collaboration between the Ministry and AFRPN.
He urged the association to continue providing evidence-based policy recommendations to support informed decision-making on Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, AFRPN First Vice President, Ambassador Sani Bala, congratulated the Minister on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the Ministry through policy engagement, specialised diplomatic training, mentorship programmes, research and public advocacy.
Amb. Bala noted that AFRPN had consistently contributed to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy through professional conferences, policy dialogues and capacity-building initiatives while mobilising independent resources to complement government efforts.
Members of the delegation also advocated stronger institutional mentorship involving retired diplomats, enhanced professional training, improved recruitment processes, the establishment of a Foreign Service Commission and greater visibility for Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye thanked the delegation for its contributions and assured members that their recommendations would receive due consideration.
He reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s foreign service through sustained collaboration with stakeholders.
