….says We Will Move Beyond Condemnation,” Minister-Designate Promises Tougher Foreign Policy Approach
By Rosemary Nwanpka
ABUJA — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs following his screening on the floor of the Red Chamber.
The confirmation came after hours of deliberation by the Senate Committee of the Whole, during which lawmakers tasked the minister-designate with improving Nigeria’s global image and addressing growing concerns over attacks on Nigerians living abroad.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed concern over the recurring killings of Nigerians in South Africa and restrictions faced by Nigerians in some African countries.
“We are deeply concerned about recent international developments affecting Nigeria’s image. The killings in South Africa have greatly agitated our minds,” Akpabio said.
He disclosed that the Senate had considered sending a delegation to the South African Parliament over the matter.
“While we allow other countries to come here, do business and prosper, our citizens are being attacked abroad. Nigerians are being killed and their businesses destroyed,” he said.
Akpabio also lamented what he described as Nigeria’s declining influence in West Africa, urging the minister-designate to adopt a comprehensive diplomatic strategy capable of restoring the country’s standing internationally.
Responding to questions from lawmakers, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would no longer rely solely on rhetoric in responding to attacks on its citizens abroad.
“The solution to any issue is not to kill people in barbaric attacks. We will move beyond condemnation,” he stated.
The veteran diplomat signalled a firmer foreign policy posture, stressing that diplomacy must go beyond words.
“Diplomacy is not just words — body language and firmness matter. We must show we have options,” he said.
Enikanolaiye proposed taking the issue of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians to the African Union for broader continental action.
“What is happening is not just xenophobia; it is something wider. We need to take this to the African Union and adopt a broader response,” he added.
The minister-designate also emphasised the need for Nigeria’s foreign policy to directly benefit citizens.
“Foreign policy must impact the lives of Nigerians. Our responsibility is to harness opportunities for their benefit,” he said.
He, however, identified inadequate funding as a major challenge facing Nigeria’s foreign missions, noting that delays in budget releases affect salaries, operations and educational support services abroad.
“There is always a mismatch between actual needs and budget releases. When funds are delayed for months, salaries, schools and operations are affected,” he said.
Enikanolaiye further revealed that Nigeria owns over 500 government properties abroad, many of which are underutilised.
“We have over 500 government properties abroad, and many are underutilised,” he said, proposing a public-private partnership model to generate sustainable revenue for Nigerian missions overseas.
“That is one sure way of ensuring a sustainable funding mechanism for our missions,” he added.
Lawmakers across party lines commended his diplomatic experience and endorsed his nomination.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Sani Bello, described Enikanolaiye as highly competent, citing his nearly 40 years in the foreign service.
“I had the privilege of working with him when he was Acting High Commissioner to India. His diplomatic capacity and ability to engage foreign nationals are commendable,” Bello said.
Also contributing, Senator Adams Oshiomhole lamented what he described as the lack of reciprocity from African countries despite Nigeria’s long-standing support for the continent.
He welcomed recent indications by President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria and Nigerians would now take centre stage in the country’s foreign policy priorities.
In his final remarks, Enikanolaiye outlined ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and authorities in South Africa and Ghana over attacks on Nigerians, while also pledging to simplify Nigeria’s visa processes to attract more investors into the country.
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