Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to West African countries have been tasked with promoting democratic governance, strengthening regional security cooperation and advancing economic integration across the sub-region.
Speaking at a strategic retreat for ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to West African countries in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said Nigeria’s commitment to West Africa remains “absolute and unwavering,” describing the region as the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.
She told the diplomats that their postings were strategic assignments aimed at advancing Nigeria’s national interests and reinforcing the country’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States.
According to the minister, West Africa is confronting multiple challenges, including unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crimes and economic disruptions that threaten regional stability.
“Democracy remains the best form of government for the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, urging the envoys to work closely with host governments to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, promote human rights and encourage good governance.
She also directed the diplomats to intensify economic diplomacy by addressing barriers to trade, attracting investments in agriculture, manufacturing, energy and digital technology, and maximising opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area and ECOWAS free movement protocols.
On regional security, the minister stressed that no country can effectively combat terrorism, trafficking, smuggling and other transnational threats in isolation, calling for stronger collaboration among West African nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further highlighted the importance of citizen diplomacy, urging Nigerian missions across the region to provide efficient consular services, safeguard the welfare of Nigerians abroad and engage the diaspora as partners in national development.
Earlier, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the retreat as a vital platform for preparing the diplomats to navigate the evolving political, security and economic realities of West Africa.
He said Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is guided by the 4D doctrine of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, with West Africa remaining the country’s primary sphere of influence.
Enikanolaiye noted that the region continues to grapple with terrorism, illicit arms proliferation, drug and human trafficking, banditry, unconstitutional changes of government and increasing influence from external powers.
He maintained that Nigeria’s leadership role in the region remains strong, citing the country’s contributions to peace, security, democracy and economic development, as well as its hosting of the West Africa Economic Summit 2025.
The minister urged the ambassadors to adopt proactive diplomacy by promoting democratic values, facilitating trade and investment, protecting Nigerians abroad and positioning Nigeria as a stabilising force and mediator within West Africa.
The one-day retreat, held in Uyo, brought together ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to member states of ECOWAS to deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s strategic interests and foreign policy priorities across the sub-region.
