Hard Work Will Be Rewarded, Staff Welfare a Priority, Says Enikanolaiye as Foreign Affairs Minister

The newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has pledged to reward excellence and prioritise staff welfare as he officially assumed office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promising to restore professionalism and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement.

Speaking during his inaugural address to management and staff of the ministry on Monday, Enikanolaiye said dedication, diligence and professionalism would be recognised under his leadership, while indiscipline and poor performance would not be tolerated.

“Hard work, diligence and excellence would be rewarded,” the minister declared, adding that “welfare will start from below” as part of efforts to boost staff morale and productivity.

A career diplomat who rose through the ranks from Third Secretary to Permanent Secretary over a distinguished 35-year career, Enikanolaiye described his return to the ministry as both emotional and humbling.

“I was filled with deep nostalgia on my way up to this conference room, recalling 35 years spent in this prestigious ministry rising through the ranks,” he said. “It is a rare privilege and a testament to God’s faithfulness.”

The minister pledged to deploy his experience and expertise toward advancing the foreign policy objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the government’s 4Ds foreign policy framework of Democracy, Demography, Development and Diaspora.

Addressing concerns about staff welfare and discipline, Enikanolaiye said merit would guide recognition and promotion within the ministry.

“In this regard, I must hasten to add that hard work, diligence and excellence would be rewarded. In the same manner, those who fall below our expected standards would be treated in accordance with extant regulations that provide zero tolerance for indiscipline, indolence and unprofessional conduct,” he stated.

He acknowledged the challenges facing the ministry, including inadequate funding and low staff morale, but assured workers that efforts would be made to tackle the issues through innovative approaches and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

According to him, support from President Tinubu, the National Assembly and other partners would be critical in addressing institutional challenges and improving the ministry’s operational efficiency.

Enikanolaiye stressed the need for teamwork, saying collective commitment would be required to reposition the ministry as a proactive, innovative and globally competitive institution.

“We must work together to make the Ministry the cynosure of all eyes—proactive, innovative and globally competitive,” he said.

The minister also pledged to reform the ministry’s internal structures and processes to strengthen professionalism in Nigeria’s diplomatic service and improve service delivery.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its national interests, promoting peace and security, and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

“At the centre of our foreign policy is the commitment to safeguard our national interest, promote peace and security, as well as ensure the welfare and protection of our citizens abroad,” he said.

Enikanolaiye further pledged his full support and cooperation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, recalling their previous working relationship when he served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

He noted that Nigeria continues to occupy a strategic leadership position on the African continent and must rise to the expectations of both Nigerians and Africans.

“The expectations of Nigerians and indeed the African continent are high. We cannot afford to fail Mr. President in this noble task. Our collective progress is hinged on the full cooperation and dedication of every one of you,” he said.

The minister was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed; directors and members of staff during the handover ceremony.