Nigerian foreign policy repositioned to be people-centred — FG

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigerian government has restated its resolve to pursue a people-centered foreign policy based on national interest, economic diplomacy, strategic autonomy, and sustainable development.

In a statement relapsed in Abuja Saturday singed by Nigerian Foreign Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it noted the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to pursuing a people-centred foreign policy anchored on national interest, economic diplomacy, strategic autonomy, and sustainable development.

According to the statement, ‘The Minister gave the assurance on Friday, 24 July 2026, while receiving a delegation of the Society for International Relations and Awareness (SIRA), led by its President, Owei Lakemfa, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. The delegation comprised retired diplomats, academics, security experts, and practitioners in international relations.

“During the meeting, the Minister outlined the Ministry’s strategic direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that Nigeria’s foreign policy is being repositioned to prioritise the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians through four key pillars: Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy. He emphasised that a strong domestic economy remains the foundation of an effective foreign policy and reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements would continue to be guided by national interest.

“Amb. Enikanolaiye further highlighted ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving policy coordination, and enhancing the Ministry’s operational effectiveness. He stressed the need for greater collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure coherent implementation of Nigeria’s external relations.

On recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral engagement. He disclosed that the Federal Government had mobilised regional support within ECOWAS to elevate the matter to the African Union while maintaining constructive engagement with the South African Government.

“Addressing the concept of Strategic Autonomy, Amb. Enikanolaiye explained that Nigeria would continue to pursue balanced and pragmatic relations with all partners based on the country’s national interest. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the One China Policy and other longstanding foreign policy positions that promote the country’s unity, sovereignty, and development objectives.

“Earlier, the President of SIRA congratulated the Honourable Minister on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing him as a well-grounded and veteran career diplomat who rose to become Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs, which is richly deserved. Speaking further, he noted the fact that whereas the Ministry has contributed a lot to national development in diverse areas, most Nigerians do not realize that some of the developments in the country and the developmental creation of Ministries like Environment and Women Affairs, are products of the international work of the Foreign Ministry. According to him, SIRA was born to fill those gaps and develop an international awareness culture amongst Nigerians.