The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Cheikh Niang, at the margins of the ongoing ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Friday, 17 July 2026.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commended the cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Senegal, which have been excellent over the years, and stated his intention to enhance and deepen the brotherly ties between the two countries. Ambassador Enikanolaiye emphasized the importance of closer communication, free from bureaucracy, between ministers, as it will foster collaboration and consultation on both bilateral and multilateral issues. He further stated the need to resuscitate the Joint Commission between the two countries, which will create a platform to explore further opportunities for collaboration to the mutual benefit of Nigeria and Senegal. The Honourable Minister underscored the need to improve trade and commerce between the two countries, with the conviction that the excellent political relations between the two countries should translate into economic benefits for the people.
Responding, His Excellency Cheikh Niang congratulated the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on his appointment and appreciated the kind gesture of initiating closer collaboration with him. The Minister noted Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s engagement during the Council of Ministers’ meeting, which he described as knowledge-based and expertise-driven, acknowledging that these qualities are needed in regional engagements. His Excellency further welcomed the initiative taken by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to engage with him and Senegal, as it will enhance collaboration and consultation on issues of mutual interest.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Saturday 18, July 2026
