By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Federal Government has pledged to intensify efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges while deepening strategic international partnerships and mobilising the skills, expertise and resources of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, made the commitment at the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada, where he outlined the government’s evolving strategy on security, diplomacy and diaspora engagement.
Enikanolaiye acknowledged insecurity as one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges but said the administration was deploying measures to confront the complex threats confronting the country.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho, the minister said Nigeria’s domestic security efforts were being reinforced by deeper strategic engagements 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,” he said, stressing that the discussions were focused on securing practical outcomes for Nigeria.
He said the emerging partnership, which he described as one of “strategic autonomy,” would seek to strengthen Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities while advancing economic prosperity and the broader interests of citizens.
Beyond security and diplomacy, the minister placed Nigerians living abroad at the heart of the administration’s development agenda.
He described the diaspora as a strategic national asset whose knowledge, capital, professional expertise and global networks could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s growth.
“For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development,” Enikanolaiye said.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to look beyond ethnic, religious and regional differences, warning that divisions could undermine the collective effort required to achieve sustainable development.
The minister called for stronger collaboration around investment, production, innovation and economic development, regardless of differences among Nigerians.
He also acknowledged the role of Canada and other international partners in supporting Nigeria’s development, saying future engagements should be anchored on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
Enikanolaiye commended the organisers of the conference and members of the Nigerian diaspora for showcasing the country’s vast human and economic potential.
He assured the diaspora community that the Federal Government was prepared to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and create stronger channels through which their expertise, investments and capacities could support national priorities.
The minister said the government would continue to strengthen partnerships both within and outside Nigeria as part of efforts to improve national security, expand economic opportunities and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.