The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Shola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy institutions and ensuring that diplomacy delivers tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. He made this known when he received a delegation from the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), led by its Chairman, Ambassador Joe Keshi, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister expressed appreciation for ARCAN’s continued contributions to the development of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and acknowledged the invaluable role of retired ambassadors in mentoring younger officers and preserving institutional memory within the Ministry. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was undergoing a period of strategic review aimed at repositioning it to effectively advance Nigeria’s national interests. He emphasized the need for comprehensive institutional reforms, enhanced capacity building, improved records management systems, and stronger administrative structures to support the effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Highlighting the administration’s foreign policy direction, Ambassador Enikanolaiye stated that Nigeria’s diplomacy would continue to be guided by a people-centred framework anchored on the 4-Ds principles of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, with an additional focus on economic value creation. According to him, the welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerians must remain at the centre of foreign policy formulation and execution.
The Minister of State further stressed the importance of strengthening economic diplomacy, attracting investment, expanding trade opportunities and leveraging Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements to support national development. He also
called for innovative approaches to addressing funding challenges confronting the Ministry, including greater collaboration with the private sector and more efficient management of Nigeria’s diplomatic assets abroad.
On the welfare of retired diplomats, Ambassador Enikanolaiye assured members of ARCAN that the Ministry remained committed to engaging relevant government institutions to address outstanding pension and welfare concerns affecting retired Foreign Service officers.
Speaking on recent developments involving Nigerians in South Africa, the Minister of State reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of its citizens abroad through constructive engagement and diplomacy. He disclosed that efforts were underway to reactivate existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission and the Early Warning Mechanism, to strengthen cooperation and address emerging concerns affecting citizens of both countries.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria’s contiguous neighbours, the Sahel region, Africa and other strategic partners around the world, noting that such engagements remain critical to promoting national security, regional stability and economic development.
The Chairman of ARCAN, Ambassador Joe Keshi, congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment and assured him of the Association’s support in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. He emphasized the need for sustained investment in capacity building for diplomats and advocated the effective utilization of bilateral mechanisms to address challenges in Nigeria’s relations with key partners, particularly South Africa.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration in support of institutional reforms, diplomatic excellence and the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Tuesday 23, June 2026
