Abuja: The Senate has confirmed Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu. The upper chamber also urged him to take a holistic view of key issues, including the killings of Nigerians in South Africa, and work towards improving the country’s global image.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Enikanolaiye was confirmed as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after he was screened and subsequently approved by the Senate sitting as the Committee of the Whole during plenary on Wednesday. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed concern over recent international developments affecting Nigeria’s image. He noted the troubling situation, where Nigerians face attacks abroad while foreign nationals thrive in Nigeria, and emphasized the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address these challenges.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Sani Bello, highlighted Enikanolaiye’s competence, citing his 40 years of service in the foreign service and prior collaboration when Enikanolaiye was Acting High Commissioner to India. Bello commended his diplomatic capacity and recommended support for his nomination.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) reflected on Nigeria’s historical engagements abroad and the lack of reciprocal support from other African nations, as seen in the recent developments in South Africa. He underscored the need for a strategic shift in foreign policy focus, as suggested by President Bola Tinubu, to prioritize Nigeria and Nigerians.
In his remarks, Enikanolaiye outlined the Federal Government’s engagements with South Africa and Ghana over attacks on Nigerians in both countries. He also pledged to simplify Nigeria’s visa process to attract more investors.