The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges while leveraging the expertise, resources and networks of Nigerians in the diaspora to accelerate national development.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this during the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.
Enikanolaiye said national security remained a major priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the government was taking sustained measures to address the security challenges confronting the country.
He said the administration was “doing everything humanly possible” to contain the security situation, which has persisted in various forms over the past decade.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria was entering a new phase of strategic autonomy and stronger partnerships with key international allies, including the United States.
He said his recent visit to Washington, where he held high-level engagements with American officials, focused on strengthening cooperation in security, defence, economic prosperity and the welfare of Nigerians.
Diaspora as Development Asset
Enikanolaiye described Nigerians living abroad as a critical national asset whose expertise, resources and international networks could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
He stressed that the diaspora should be viewed beyond consular matters and government assistance, urging the Federal Government and other stakeholders to create stronger platforms for harnessing their contributions.
“For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development,” he said.
The minister also called for greater unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to rise above ethnic, religious and tribal differences in the interest of national progress.
He said greater cooperation was needed to promote production, investment, economic growth and shared prosperity.
Nigeria, Canada Deepen Cooperation
The minister further acknowledged Canada’s role, alongside other international partners, in supporting Nigeria’s development objectives.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria-Canada relations would continue to develop into stronger partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests and practical cooperation.
Enikanolaiye commended the organisers of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference and members of the Nigerian community in Canada for their contributions to national development and for projecting a positive image of the country abroad.
He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to work with Nigerians in the diaspora, citizens at home and international partners to advance Nigeria’s national interests and development agenda.
