Nigeria's Foreign Policy Focuses on National Interests

Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, articulated Nigeria's foreign policy strategy during a launch event in Abuja. He stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu aims to strengthen the country's domestic foundations as a prerequisite for a dynamic foreign policy.

Enikanolaiye emphasized that Nigeria's foreign policy will be driven by the "Nigeria First" doctrine, focusing on national interests, security, and economic prosperity. He noted that Nigeria remains committed to its traditional role in Africa, advocating for mutual reinforcement between Nigeria's security and that of its neighboring countries.

The minister also highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy in international engagements, allowing Nigeria to align its interests with various global partners, including China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, while maintaining relationships with traditional Western allies. He expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the right path despite perceived declines in its international visibility and emphasized the need for broader collaboration among diplomatic and defense institutions to strengthen Nigeria's foreign policy.