The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has declared that Demography has become the primary focus under Nigeria’s reformulated 4-Ds foreign policy during the National Diaspora Day 2026 and Merit Award Dinner at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing diaspora leaders, diplomats, and senior government officials, Amb. Enikanolaiye anchored his goodwill message on the Demography pillar of the 4D Foreign Policy – Demography, Development, Democracy, and Diaspora – stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda places the Nigerian people at the core of all external engagements.
He informed that Nigerian foreign policy has been reformulated, focusing essentially on the Nigerian people, which is why demography has become our primary focus. He buttressed the fact that foreign policy must impact more directly, in the most impactful way, on the Nigerian people. So whatever we do, including the diaspora, which is one of the main pillars of the 4Ds, must speak to this reality. Amb. Enikanolaiye described the event as an illustration of the commitment of the Federal Government to harnessing the resources of Nigeria’s diaspora for national development.
The Minister rejected narratives that criminalise migration, describing the diaspora as an eloquent testimony of the benefits of migration. He opined that migration should not be criminalised; it should not be weaponised or demonised. He emphasised that migration is a case of talent circulation, brain gain rather than brain loss, and therefore, commended Nigerians abroad for making significant contributions to those countries, while bringing so much of those contributions to us in a win-win situation. While acknowledging Central Bank estimates of $6 million monthly and $21.8 billion annual remittances, the Minister said the figures do not actually reflect the actual volume of remittances, because much of it is undocumented. He thus called for a more effective mechanism and strategy that will enable us to harness the remittances into productive sectors better.
He underscored that as the supervisory Ministry for Diaspora, Indigenous and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not consider our diaspora population as a consular burden. The government recognises the diaspora as one of the nation’s most strategic assets. Beyond remittances and investment, our diaspora serves as a powerful bridge for diplomacy, innovation, technology transfer, professional exchange and global partnership.”
The Minister linked ongoing economic reforms to the Demography pillar, stating that the government is working to make the home front more attractive to increase the absorptive capacity of the Nigerian economy and our population to derive maximum benefit from Nigerians in the diaspora. He noted that reforms have achieved a level of stability, currently moving towards concrete development that will have a greater impact on the lives of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking to awardees and diaspora communities, he called for unity of purpose and advised them to prioritise Nigeria and the Nigerian people, regardless of tribe or state. He described the diaspora as the true ambassadors and the true face of Nigeria, rejecting narratives that judge all Nigerians by the actions of less than 1% of Nigerians who sometimes misbehave.
Drawing from his diplomatic experience in Canada and the United Kingdom, Amb. Enikanolaiye reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to fostering stronger connections between the Nigerian government and citizens abroad, while facilitating collaborations to support your efforts.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Saturday 25, July 2026
