The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke, in a bid to hit the ground running, convened a familiarization meeting with the committee members. This important gathering was aimed at fostering a collaborative and cohesive approach towards addressing key foreign policy issues affecting Nigeria
Hon. Oke, who assumed the chairmanship of the committee on the 11th of June 2024, emphasized the importance of unity and proactive engagement among the members. He highlighted the critical role the committee plays in shaping Nigeria’s foreign relations and ensuring the effective representation of the nation’s interests on the global stage.
During the meeting, the Chairman presented an overview of the committee’s planned activities, including:
Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Missions: Continuing the ongoing assessments of Nigeria’s foreign missions to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with key international allies and exploring new avenues for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Policy Development: Formulating and recommending policies, such as the foreign service commission bill that enhance Nigeria’s international standing and address contemporary global challenges.
Oversight Functions: Intensifying oversight on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it’s agencies to ensure compliance with legislative mandates and the judicious use of allocated funds.
He encouraged members to bring forward their expertise and insights to enrich the committee’s deliberations and outputs.
The familiarization meeting also provided an opportunity for the members to share their perspectives and discuss the committee’s work plan in detail.
The committee reaffirmed its dedication to robust legislative oversight and proactive engagement with both domestic and international stakeholders. This meeting marks the beginning of a focused and dynamic approach to Nigeria’s foreign affairs, setting the stage for a productive legislative session.
