By Ndudirim Sylvia Iloka
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye has officially resumed duties as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, marking a return to the ministry where he built a distinguished diplomatic career spanning more than three decades.
The former Permanent Secretary and recent Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations assumed office on Monday, June 8, 2026. He was welcomed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside senior directors before meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Speaking during a reception held in his honour, Ambassador Ahmed described Enikanolaiye’s appointment as a reflection of his extensive experience and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic service. He noted that the new minister’s deep institutional knowledge and international exposure would strengthen efforts to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, economic diplomacy initiatives, and the welfare of citizens abroad.
Also addressing the gathering, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations praised the appointment, describing it as a fitting recognition of Enikanolaiye’s commitment to public service and his impactful work within the Presidency.
In his remarks, Enikanolaiye expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence placed in him and described his return to the ministry as both emotional and significant. Recalling his journey from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary, he pledged to bring his experience to bear in supporting Nigeria’s diplomatic agenda.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s foreign policy framework, with a focus on protecting national interests, promoting peace and security, supporting development, and safeguarding Nigerians at home and overseas.
He stressed that citizen welfare would remain at the centre of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements while reaffirming Africa’s strategic importance in the country’s foreign relations. According to him, Nigeria’s prosperity and security are closely linked to the stability and progress of West Africa and the wider continent.
Enikanolaiye also outlined plans to deepen professionalism, encourage innovation, and pursue institutional reforms within the ministry. He said efforts would be directed at improving operational efficiency, restoring professional excellence, and building a more responsive foreign service capable of advancing Nigeria’s interests globally.
Acknowledging challenges such as funding limitations and staff welfare concerns, the minister assured employees that practical solutions would be explored in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. He called on ministry personnel to uphold discipline, diligence, and professionalism, emphasizing that merit and excellence would be rewarded.
He concluded by urging staff to remain united and committed to enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, noting that expectations from citizens, Africa, and the international community remain high.
