The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making national security a top priority while leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a key driver of economic development.

The government also pledged to strengthen strategic partnerships with other countries based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

The position was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Richard Elesho.

The statement followed the minister’s address at the dinner of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, acknowledged that insecurity remains one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria.

He, however, assured participants that the current administration was implementing comprehensive measures to tackle security challenges that have persisted across the country for more than a decade.

Enikanolaye also highlighted the importance of engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in national development, noting that their expertise, investments and global networks could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.