By Naomi Sharang
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.
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.
“However, we are deeply concerned about recent international developments affecting Nigeria’s image. For instance, the killings in South Africa have greatly agitated our minds.
“The Senate even considered the possibility of sending a delegation to the South African Parliament—this was discussed on Tuesday.
“The situation is troubling. We are not happy. While we allow other countries to come here, do business and prosper, our citizens are being attacked abroad. Nigerians are being killed, and their businesses destroyed.
“Even in some neighbouring countries, Nigerians face severe restrictions, including policies that prevent them from opening businesses unless they meet excessive financial requirements.
“This raises serious questions about what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is doing. Now that you are here, we expect you to take a holistic view of these issues and work towards improving Nigeria’s global image.
“Our influence in West Africa appears to be waning, and this should not be the case. I hope you understand our concerns,” Akpabio said.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Sani Bello, said having reviewed the nominee’s résumé, there was no doubt about his competence.
“He has served in the foreign service for about 40 years. I also had the privilege of working with him when he was Acting High Commissioner to India.
“His diplomatic capacity and ability to engage foreign nationals are commendable.
“Mr President, I, therefore, strongly recommend that this House supports the nomination of Amb. Enikanolaiye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said Nigeria had undertaken numerous engagements abroad.
“This explains why Nigeria has spent billions of dollars and deployed its men and women to foreign countries to uphold and defend various African nations at different times.
“Yet, as we can see from recent developments in South Africa, this long-standing commitment—one that places Africa at the centre of our foreign policy—has not attracted a reciprocal response from other African countries.
“Even in international engagements, such as elections into global bodies, we often observe voting patterns along linguistic lines.
“Francophone countries tend to support one another, just as Anglophone countries sometimes do the same.
“This raises important questions about mutual support and strategic alignment,” he said.
Oshiomhole added: “Recently, I was encouraged when President Bola Tinubu indicated that there would be a policy shift, stating that Nigeria and Nigerians must now be the centrepiece of our foreign policy, rather than Africa as a whole.”
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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enikanolaiye is a seasoned career diplomat with about 35 years of service and nearly 40 years of active engagement in foreign policy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
