By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritising national security, harnessing the Nigerian diaspora as a critical asset for national development, and deepening strategic partnerships based on mutual respect and trust.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this while speaking at the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.
According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho, the Minister acknowledged that security remains a major challenge but assured that the current administration is taking measures to address the situation.
He said the government is “doing everything humanly possible” to contain the security challenges that have affected the country in various forms over the past decade.
Enikanolaiye also said Nigeria is entering “a new era of partnership of strategic autonomy” with key international partners, including the United States.
“I came in from Washington only yesterday. I was privileged to have been part of the team meeting with the Americans,” the Minister said.
He added that the strategic engagement is aimed at delivering “core, concrete, positive outcomes for Nigerians” in the areas of security, prosperity, defence and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
Speaking on Nigerians living abroad, the Minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu views the diaspora as a valuable resource for national development rather than a consular burden.
“For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development. We don’t see you as a basket case of consular burden responsibilities always in need of government’s intervention and assistance. No,” he said.
“On the contrary, we see you as a vital human resource with huge capacities for Nigeria which government is trying to harness in terms of our national development priorities.”
The Minister called for greater unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to break down barriers based on ethnicity, religion and tribe.
He said Nigerians should focus on cooperation that promotes productivity, development, growth and prosperity.
“We are aware of the trust deficit that exists among Nigerians, especially those of us abroad. Let’s try and break those barriers of ethnicity, barriers of religion, barriers of tribe, and let’s relate on the functional aspect of cooperation that promotes production, that promotes development, that promotes growth and prosperity unto Nigeria,” he said.
Enikanolaiye also acknowledged the role of Canada and other international partners in fostering stronger and more productive relationships with Nigeria.
He called for partnerships anchored on mutual respect and cooperation while commending individuals and organisations contributing to Nigeria’s development.
The Minister thanked the organisers of the conference and members of the Nigerian diaspora for their contributions to the country.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to work with Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as international partners, to advance Nigeria’s national interests and development.
