FG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SECURITY AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising national security, leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a key driver of national development, and strengthening strategic partnerships built on mutual respect and trust.
The commitment was reiterated during the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference dinner in Toronto, Canada, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Richard Elesho, Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, acknowledged that insecurity remains a major challenge but assured that the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to address the situation.
He said the current administration was adopting a multifaceted approach to tackle the security challenges that have persisted in the country for more than a decade.
He said, “Nigeria is entering a new era of partnership of strategic autonomy 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.”
Enikanolaye said that the strategic engagement was aimed at delivering “core, concrete, positive outcomes for Nigerians in terms of security, in terms of prosperity, in terms of defence and the welfare of the Nigerian people.”
On the Nigerian diaspora, the minister emphasised that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the government viewed Nigerians abroad not as a burden, but as vital contributors to national progress.
For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development. We don’t see you as a basket case of consular burden responsibilities always in need of government’s intervention and assistance.
“On the contrary, we see you as a vital human resource with huge capacities for Nigeria which the government is trying to harness in terms of our national development priorities,” he stated.
The minister called for stronger unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to break down barriers of ethnicity, religion, and tribe.
“We are aware of the trust deficit that exists among Nigerians, especially those of us abroad.
“Let’s try and break those barriers of ethnicity, barriers of religion, barriers of tribe, and let’s relate on the functional aspect of cooperation that promotes production, that promotes development, that promotes growth and prosperity unto Nigeria,” he said.
He also recognised the contributions of Canada and other international partners towards building stronger and more productive relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The minister commended stakeholders and members of the Nigerian diaspora for their contributions to the country’s development and thanked the organisers of the conference for showcasing Nigeria’s potential and strengths.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with relevant partners to promote and advance Nigeria’s national interests.
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