By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a major foreign policy push, the Federal Government is placing security diplomacy at the forefront for its envoys to West Africa.
During a strategic retreat in Uyo on Saturday, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye tasked the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners with leading the fight against the subregion’s rising terrorism, political instability, and cross-border crime.
“You must engage your host governments to strengthen democratic institutions, deepen rule of law, and ensure stability, peace, and cooperation across West Africa in line with Nigeria’s national interest and regional responsibility,” he said.
He warned that West Africa is facing multiple and interconnected security threats that demand urgent diplomatic intervention.
“The resurgence of unconstitutional changes in governments, coupled with rising terrorism across the Sahel, represents serious threats that must be confronted frontally through coordinated diplomacy and regional cooperation,” he stated.
Enikanolaiye also highlighted the spread of organised criminal networks across the region, describing them as major destabilising forces.
“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other transnational crimes continue to fuel insecurity and undermine peace and stability in West Africa,” he noted.
He further expressed concern over growing political fragmentation within the region and external influence shaping West African affairs.
“The withdrawal of some ECOWAS member states and the increasing presence of extra-continental powers require a cautious but firm diplomatic approach to safeguard regional unity and stability,” Enikanolaiye warned.
The minister said Nigeria’s ambassadors must shift their approach to diplomacy and actively engage in regional stability efforts.
“Your diplomatic tradecraft must shift from passive observation to active engagement, with stronger coordination, strategic communication, and proactive diplomacy across your host countries,” he said.
Enikanolaiye added that the envoys are expected to function as direct instruments of Nigeria’s foreign policy in stabilising the region and advancing national interests.
“You must reposition Nigeria as a mediator, honest broker, peacemaker, and stabilising force in West Africa through consistent diplomatic engagement and leadership.”
The retreat, according to him, is aimed at preparing the envoys to respond to evolving security realities and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa.
The minister cautioned that Nigeria’s influence in West Africa will increasingly depend on the responsiveness and strategic clarity of its diplomatic missions.
He stressed that ambassadors must act as vital tools for regional stability rather than ceremonial figures, charging them to deliver measurable outcomes that protect national interests and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership across the subregion.
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