The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a people-centred foreign policy anchored on national interest, economic diplomacy, strategic autonomy and sustainable development.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the Society for International Relations and Awareness (SIRA), led by its President, Owei Lakemfa, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The delegation, comprising retired diplomats, academics, security experts and international relations practitioners, engaged the Minister on Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Enikanolaiye said; “the Ministry is repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy around four key pillars—Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy—emphasising that the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians remain at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.”
He stressed that a strong domestic economy is the foundation of an effective foreign policy and noted that Nigeria’s international relations would continue to be guided by national interest.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Ministry aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving policy coordination and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
He called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure a more coordinated approach to Nigeria’s external relations.
On the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa,
Enikanolaiye said; “the Nigerian Government remains committed to diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral engagement.”
He disclosed that Nigeria had mobilised support within ECOWAS to elevate the issue to the African Union while maintaining constructive engagement with the South African Government.
Speaking on strategic autonomy, the Minister said Nigeria would continue to maintain balanced and pragmatic relations with all partners based on its national interest.
He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the One China Policy and other longstanding foreign policy positions that promote Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and development objectives.
SIRA’s President Owei Lakemfa congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment, describing him as a seasoned career diplomat whose wealth of experience would strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Lakemfa noted that while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made significant contributions to national development, many Nigerians remain unaware of its role in shaping key national policies and institutions. He said SIRA was established to promote greater public awareness of international relations and foreign policy.
He pledged the Society’s support for the Ministry through research, advocacy and strategic engagement, while commending the Federal Government’s measured diplomatic response to the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
