The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing security, harnessing the Nigerian diaspora as a critical asset for national development, and deepening strategic partnerships anchored on mutual respect and trust.
​The pledge was highlighted during an address at the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference held in Toronto, Canada. Speaking on behalf of the administration, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, outlined the government’s foreign policy directions and domestic priorities in a statement issued on Sunday, August 16, 2026, via his Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho.
​Ambassador Enikanolaiye disclosed that Nigeria is stepping into a redefined foreign policy phase aimed at delivering tangible benefits to citizens. Reflecting on recent high-level diplomatic sessions in Washington, D.C., the Minister stressed that global engagements are structured to yield concrete returns.
​”Nigeria is entering a new era of partnership of strategic autonomy with key international partners, including the United States… This engagement is aimed at delivering core, concrete, positive outcomes for Nigerians in terms of security, in terms of prosperity, in terms of defence and the welfare of the Nigerian people.” Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye stated.
​Addressing ongoing domestic concerns, Enikanolaiye acknowledged that security remains a primary hurdle but assured stakeholders that comprehensive measures are actively being deployed to contain persistent threats.
​Beyond physical security, the Minister pointed out the need to repair social cohesion, calling on Nigerians, both at home and abroad to bridge existing trust gaps.
The government is deploying every available resource to contain multi-decade security threats through unified operations. Citizens were urged to set aside tribal, religious, and ethnic differences to focus on economic productivity and national unity.
​A major shift underscored at the conference was the government’s view of citizens living abroad. Moving away from traditional consular-only perspectives, the current administration frames the diaspora as indispensable human capital equipped with the technical skill, investment capital, and international leverage needed to drive national growth.
​The event concluded with assurances that the Federal Government will continue to build international relationships founded on mutual benefit while maintaining clear strategies to secure the nation and spur economic prosperity.
