By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has outlined the Federal Government’s foreign-policy priorities, saying Nigeria’s international engagements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be guided by demography, development, democracy and diaspora, alongside strategic autonomy and national interest.
Ojukwu disclosed this in a statement posted on her X handle on Saturday, following her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja since assuming office.
She said the engagement provided an opportunity to thank heads of diplomatic and consular missions as well as representatives of international organisations for their support and cooperation, while strengthening bilateral relations and collaboration between Nigeria and other countries.
The minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would seek to revitalise inactive joint and bi-national commissions, with emphasis on achieving measurable outcomes across sectors including trade, fintech, investment, agriculture, security, capacity building and education.
She also stressed the importance of closer dialogue between the ministry and diplomatic missions, urging that official communications be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to her, the ministry would ensure prompt responses to diplomatic and consular requests while engaging missions on issues including security, Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, cultural diplomacy and more efficient communication.
Ojukwu also appealed to embassies, consulates and high commissions in Nigeria to introduce measures to ease visa-related difficulties encountered by Nigerians travelling abroad.
She said the briefing was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed; members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations.
Ojukwu assured members of the diplomatic community that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained their “diplomatic home” and pledged the ministry’s support for their engagements and activities during their tour of duty.
