FG Increases Push For People – Centred Foreign Policy

The Federal Government says it is pursuing a people-centred foreign policy anchored on national interest, economic diplomacy, strategic autonomy, and sustainable development.

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.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s foreign policy is being repositioned in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda to prioritise the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians through four key pillars—Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy.

He stressed that a strong domestic economy remains the foundation of an effective foreign policy, adding that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements would continue to be guided by the country’s national interest.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Ministry aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving policy coordination, and enhancing operational efficiency.

He called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure a coordinated implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

On the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateral engagement. He disclosed that Nigeria had mobilised support within ECOWAS to escalate the matter 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 international 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.

Earlier, President of the Society for International Relations and Awareness, Owei Lakemfa, congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment, describing him as an accomplished career diplomat with a distinguished record of service.

Lakemfa noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s national development, although many Nigerians remain unaware of its impact in shaping key national institutions and policies.

He pledged the Society’s support for the Ministry’s efforts to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy through research, advocacy, and strategic engagement.

The delegation also commended the Federal Government’s diplomatic handling of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa and expressed readiness to partner with the Ministry in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to stronger collaboration between government, academia, and civil society to promote foreign policy awareness, strategic thinking, and effective diplomacy in support of Nigeria’s national development.

PR/Uju Oparaji