The Federal Government has identified Nigerians in the diaspora as strategic assets capable of contributing significantly to national development, while reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity and strengthening international partnerships.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this at the dinner of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.
Enikanolaiye said the government was committed to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, which he described as a major concern, while pursuing stronger cooperation with strategic partners to improve national security, defence and economic prosperity.
According to him, Nigeria is entering a “new era of partnership of strategic autonomy” with key international partners, including the United States.
The minister disclosed that he had recently participated in high-level engagements with American officials in Washington, aimed at securing concrete outcomes for Nigeria in the areas of security, defence, prosperity and citizens’ welfare.
On diaspora engagement, Enikanolaiye said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu viewed Nigerians living abroad as valuable human resources rather than a burden on government.
“For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development,” he said.
He explained that the government was seeking to harness the expertise and capacities of Nigerians abroad in line with the country’s development priorities.
The minister, however, urged Nigerians at home and abroad to overcome ethnic, religious and tribal divisions, stressing that greater cooperation was necessary to drive economic growth and development.
“We are aware of the trust deficit that exists among Nigerians, especially those of us abroad,” he said, calling for greater emphasis on cooperation that promotes production, development and prosperity.
Enikanolaiye also acknowledged Canada’s contribution to Nigeria’s international partnerships, expressing optimism about deeper cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
He commended the organisers of the conference and the Nigerian diaspora community for their contributions to the country, assuring them that the Federal Government remained committed to working with stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s national interests.
