Abuja, Nigeria – Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on Monday officially assumed duty as the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pledging to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
The seasoned diplomat was received at the Ministry’s headquarters by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside senior directors, before proceeding to a closed-door meeting with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Speaking at a reception held in his honour, the Permanent Secretary described Enikanolaiye’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a recognition of his decades-long distinguished service, professionalism, and deep institutional knowledge. He expressed confidence that the Minister’s vast diplomatic experience would bolster Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in economic diplomacy, international engagement, and citizen protection.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations commended the appointment, noting that Enikanolaiye’s contributions during his tenure in the Presidency were invaluable and would further enhance policy implementation within the Ministry.
In his remarks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing his return to the Ministry after over three decades of service as both nostalgic and humbling. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry’s leadership to advance Nigeria’s global interests.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s foreign policy would remain anchored on safeguarding national interests, promoting peace and security, advancing development, and strengthening democratic values. According to him, the protection and welfare of Nigerians worldwide would remain central to diplomatic engagements.
Highlighting Africa as a priority, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s prosperity is closely tied to the stability and development of West Africa and the broader continent. He called for enhanced teamwork, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reforms within the Ministry to build a more responsive and globally competitive foreign service.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also acknowledged challenges such as funding constraints and staff welfare issues, assuring that efforts would be made to address them through collaborative and innovative solutions.
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He urged staff to uphold diligence, discipline, and excellence, stressing that outstanding performance would be rewarded while misconduct would not be tolerated.
The Minister added by calling for unity and renewed commitment among staff to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and meet the high expectations of citizens and the international community.
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