Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, assumed duty in the Ministry on Monday, 8 June 2026. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, and Senior Directors in the Ministry received the Minister of State at the Foyer upon his arrival. The Minister of State was escorted to the Office of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for a tete-a-tete. This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Thereafter, at a reception held in his honour, the Permanent Secretary congratulated the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on his appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing the appointment as a recognition of his distinguished service, professionalism, and extensive experience in Nigeria’s diplomatic service. He noted that the new Minister of State brings to office a wealth of institutional knowledge acquired through decades of service in the Ministry and various diplomatic assignments, including his service as Permanent Secretary and, most recently, as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s vast experience and deep understanding of international relations would further strengthen the Ministry’s efforts in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, promoting economic diplomacy, protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad, and enhancing Nigeria’s standing within the international community.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations commended the appointment of Ambassador Enikanolaiye, describing it as well-deserved and reflective of his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service. She noted that his contributions while serving in the Presidency were invaluable and expressed confidence that his return to the Ministry would further enhance the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in his address, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him for the appointment. Reflecting on his return to the Ministry where he spent over three decades of service, rising through the ranks from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary, the Honourable Minister of State described the moment as both nostalgic and humbling. He stated that his appointment was a rare privilege and a testament to God’s faithfulness. The Minister of State also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, OON, for her warm reception and continued support. He recalled their close collaboration during his previous role as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations and assured her of his full cooperation and commitment in the discharge of his responsibilities. He further acknowledged the warm reception extended to him by the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and staff of the Ministry, expressing appreciation for the goodwill and hospitality demonstrated since the announcement of his appointment.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture through the implementation of the administration’s strategic foreign policy priorities. He noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains firmly anchored on the principles of safeguarding national interests, promoting peace and security, advancing development, strengthening democratic values, and protecting the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.
The Honourable Minister of State emphasised that the welfare and protection of Nigerians, both within and outside the country, remain central to the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy. He further underscored the importance of maintaining Africa as a priority in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, noting that the peace, security, and prosperity of Nigeria are intrinsically linked to those of West Africa and the African continent. Highlighting his vision for the Ministry, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs stressed the need for teamwork, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reform. He pledged to work closely with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire staff of the Ministry to strengthen the Ministry’s coordinating role in Nigeria’s engagement with the international community. He also outlined plans to enhance the Ministry’s internal systems and processes, restore professional excellence, and build a more proactive, innovative, and globally competitive foreign service capable of effectively advancing Nigeria’s national interests.
The Honourable Minister of State acknowledged existing challenges confronting the Ministry, including funding constraints and staff welfare concerns, and assured staff that efforts would be made, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to explore innovative solutions aimed at improving institutional efficiency and morale. He therefore called on all staff members to embrace a culture of diligence, discipline, professionalism, and excellence, stressing that exceptional performance would be recognised and rewarded, while conduct inconsistent with the values and regulations of the Foreign Service would not be tolerated.
He concluded by urging officers and staff of the Ministry to remain united in purpose and dedicated to the collective mission of advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. He emphasized that the expectations of Nigerians, Africa, and the international community remain high and called for renewed commitment toward strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and global influence.
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