By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
ABUJA – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has said demography is now the cornerstone of Nigeria’s reformulated foreign policy, with the Federal Government prioritizing the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians at home and abroad through its diplomatic engagements.
Speaking at the 2026 National Diaspora Day and Merit Award Dinner held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Enikanolaiye said the “Demography” pillar now drives Nigeria’s 4-D foreign policy framework—Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora—under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the country’s foreign policy has been redesigned to place Nigerians at the centre of international relations, stressing that every diplomatic initiative must deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
The minister described the National Diaspora Day celebration as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the expertise, investments and global influence of Nigerians living abroad to accelerate national development.
Enikanolaiye also challenged negative narratives surrounding migration, insisting it should not be criminalized but viewed as “talent circulation” capable of generating brain gain rather than brain drain.
According to him, Nigerians in the diaspora continue to make meaningful contributions to their host countries while supporting development back home, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
He noted that while the Central Bank of Nigeria estimates annual diaspora remittances at about $21.8 billion, the actual figure is likely much higher because many inflows are undocumented. He called for improved mechanisms to channel remittances into productive sectors of the economy.
The minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees diaspora, indigenous and international cooperation matters, regards Nigerians abroad as one of the nation’s greatest strategic assets rather than merely a consular responsibility.
Beyond remittances, he said the diaspora contributes significantly to diplomacy, innovation, technology transfer, professional exchange and the strengthening of global partnerships.
Enikanolaiye further linked the government’s ongoing economic reforms to the demography agenda, saying efforts are being made to create an enabling environment that will encourage greater diaspora participation in national development.
He urged Nigerians living abroad to remain united and put national interest above ethnic or regional affiliations, describing them as the country’s true ambassadors whose positive contributions should define Nigeria’s global image.
Drawing from his diplomatic experience in Canada and the United Kingdom, the minister assured Nigerians in the diaspora of the ministry’s commitment to deepening engagement and fostering partnerships that support sustainable national development.
