UYO – The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed that West Africa remains Nigeria’s primary sphere of influence, urging newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to champion regional peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.
Speaking at the ongoing Strategic Retreat for Nigeria’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners-Designate to West African countries currently going on in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s foreign policy would continue to prioritize national interests, particularly the welfare and security of its citizens.
The minister described the retreat as a critical platform designed to prepare the envoys for the geopolitical realities and emerging challenges facing the West African sub-region.
He stressed that developments in neighbouring countries have direct implications for Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity, noting that the country’s diplomatic resources and engagements must reflect its status as an emerging regional power.
“West Africa is our immediate neighbourhood and our primary sphere of influence. Any event occurring within the sub-region has an immediate impact on Nigeria’s interests,” he said.
Enikanolaiye highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding role in promoting peace, security, democracy, and socio-economic development across the region, adding that the country’s leadership remains relevant despite evolving regional dynamics.
According to him, Nigeria’s influence is increasingly driven by the quality of its ideas and initiatives, citing the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) hosted by Nigeria in June 2025 as an example of regional leadership through innovation and policy direction.
The minister expressed concern over growing insecurity across the Sahel and West Africa, including terrorism, illicit arms proliferation, human and drug trafficking, banditry, and unconstitutional changes of government.
He also referenced the withdrawal of some member states from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the increasing involvement of external powers in the region, describing them as developments requiring strategic diplomatic engagement.
“Our diplomats must confront these realities with diplomatic dexterity and unwavering commitment,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are anchored on the 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine—Demography, Development, Democracy, and Diaspora.
He tasked the envoys to promote economic integration through trade facilitation, attract investments, support Nigerian businesses abroad, and advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
The minister further urged the ambassadors to strengthen democratic institutions, foster regional stability, and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians living in their host countries.
“A Nigerian citizen in distress must find immediate succour in our embassies. Our missions must be welcoming, responsive, and efficient,” he said.
Enikanolaiye expressed confidence that the retreat would better equip the envoys to advance President Tinubu’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious West Africa while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in the sub-region.
