Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, emphasized in Abuja that Nigeria needs to solidify its domestic economy and security before it can regain its prominent status as a regional leader in Africa. Speaking at the unveiling of the book Shadows of Power by retired Rear Admiral Olusola Akinsola Oluwagbire, the minister highlighted the government’s new ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
This doctrine centers all diplomatic efforts on the specific interests, defense, and economic growth of Nigerian citizens. According to Enikanolaiye, a nation cannot project power effectively abroad if it remains fractured or unstable internally. He noted that the ministry is currently focused on neighboring countries due to their interconnected security concerns before expanding broader regional outreach.
Addressing international relations, the minister clarified that Nigeria will maintain strategic autonomy, prioritizing national interests over fixed ideological alliances. While the country is engaging in renewed security cooperation with Western allies to tackle current threats, it remains open to diverse global partnerships, including those with China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
To support these goals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is undergoing internal reforms to improve institutional capacity and professionalism. Enikanolaiye concluded by stressing the necessity of synchronizing defense and foreign policies to ensure long-term stability. The event featured various dignitaries, including representatives for former President Olusegun Obasanjo and several former defense chiefs.
