The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening national security, harnessing the Nigerian diaspora as a key driver of development and deepening strategic partnerships based on mutual respect and trust.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, stated this during the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.
The minister’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant, Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho.
Enikanolaye acknowledged that security remained one of Nigeria’s major challenges but said the government was taking comprehensive measures to address the situation.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the government’s strategic engagements with international partners were focused on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, particularly in the areas of security, economic prosperity, defence and welfare.
On the Nigerian diaspora, the minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu regarded Nigerians living abroad as valuable contributors to national development rather than a burden on the government.
“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 government is trying to harness in terms of our national development priorities,” he said.
Enikanolaye urged Nigerians at home and abroad to promote greater unity and cooperation by overcoming divisions based on ethnicity, religion and tribe.
He called for stronger relationships focused on initiatives that promote productivity, development, economic growth and prosperity.
“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.
The minister also acknowledged Canada’s role, alongside other international partners, in promoting stronger and more productive cooperation with Nigeria.
He commended individuals and organisations contributing to the country’s development and expressed appreciation to the conference organisers and members of the diaspora community for their continued commitment to Nigeria.
Enikanolaye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to work with domestic and international partners to advance Nigeria’s interests and strengthen the country’s development prospects.
