ABUJA — Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry will place the welfare of its citizens at the center of its international strategy, a senior government minister has said, outlining a shift toward citizen-focused diplomacy.
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the country’s foreign policy is designed to directly benefit ordinary Nigerians both at home and across the global diaspora.
Speaking to a delegation of community leaders in Abuja on Thursday, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said the initiative aligns with the “Renewed Hope” economic and political agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”Foreign policy must impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” Enikanolaiye told the visiting group. “Otherwise, foreign policy remains just foreign, with the ministry dealing more with foreigners. We are trying to change that orientation.”
The ‘4Ds’ Strategy
The minister outlined the administration’s “4Ds” diplomatic framework, which focuses on:Demography: Ensuring diplomatic efforts serve the nation’s population.
Development: Attracting foreign direct investment, improving infrastructure, and boosting human security.
Diaspora: Engaging Nigerians living abroad as vital economic and development partners.
Democracy: Promoting stable governance and democratic norms regionally and globally.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye urged local businesses and civil society groups to tap into underutilised international trade frameworks, including low-interest funding from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and regional trade channels under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Recognition for Local Community Action
In response, Mrs. Iyabode congratulated the minister on his appointment, noting that the delegation was confident his diplomatic experience would advance Nigeria’s national interests on the world stage.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a grassroots delegation from the Yagba South East District of Kogi State, led by Ojo Iyabode. Ambassador Enikanolaiye praised the community group for its grassroots initiatives in healthcare outreach, youth empowerment, and micro-cooperatives, pledging ongoing support for local development projects.
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