The Federal Government has restated its determination to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges while deepening ties with citizens abroad, describing the diaspora as a vital national asset rather than a consular burden.

The assurance came from the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who spoke at the Dinner Night of the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada. A statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Richard Elesho, quoted the minister acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge, but insisting the administration is pursuing every possible approach to contain problems that have persisted for roughly a decade.

Enikanolaiye linked the security push to a broader diplomatic realignment, disclosing that he had just returned from Washington after joining a Nigerian team in talks with American officials as part of what he called a new era of strategic autonomy with key international partners. He said the engagement was designed to produce concrete outcomes for Nigerians across security, prosperity, defence and general welfare.

Turning to the diaspora, the minister said the Tinubu administration no longer regards Nigerians abroad as dependants requiring periodic government intervention, but as a critical human resource the country is working to harness for its development priorities. He acknowledged a trust deficit among Nigerians both at home and overseas, and called for citizens to set aside divisions of ethnicity, religion and tribe in favour of cooperation that drives production, growth and shared prosperity.

The minister also credited Canada and other international partners for fostering relationships built on mutual respect, and closed his remarks by thanking the conference organisers and the diaspora community for showcasing the country’s strengths on a global stage, while reaffirming government’s readiness to work with all partners to advance Nigeria’s interests.