Nigeria has been fortunate to have astute diplomats who gained national and global acclaim. From Chief Simeon Adebo, Jaja Nwachukwu, Emeka Anyaoku, to Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, these individuals established Nigeria's foreign policy in peacekeeping, international law, and regional cooperation. A new generation of diplomats continues this tradition, and Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, recently retired, stands out among them.
Early Career and Education
Ambassador Bolaji was among the first graduates of the Department of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to join the Nigerian foreign service. He embodied the vision of Professor Olajide Aluko, Africa's first professor of international relations, to strengthen Nigeria's foreign relations with home-grown talent. Bolaji earned a BSc (1988) and MSc (1990) in International Relations from OAU, later obtaining a law degree while serving. He attended the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy and the India Foreign Service Academy.
Excellence in Consular Services
In the social media era, where diplomatic service is often criticized, Ambassador Bolaji excelled by emphasizing simplicity and efficient consular services. As High Commissioner to Singapore, he would go incognito in consular areas to interact with visitors and gather feedback. He implemented systems to reduce visa processing times and improve communication about delays. As Director of Reforms and Innovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), he developed a blueprint for reform based on best practices, aiming to enhance service delivery.
Leadership During the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Nigerians, especially students, were stranded. As Director of the Consular and Legal Department, Ambassador Bolaji coordinated the evacuation of over 5,000 citizens. He managed logistics, liaised with embassies in Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, and worked with airlines like Air Peace and Max Air. Despite challenges such as flight crew duty time limits, he ensured safe transit and accommodation, often personally welcoming evacuees at Abuja airport. Nigeria also assisted nationals from Ghana, Togo, and other West African countries, demonstrating Pan-African solidarity. Minister of State Bianca Ojukwu praised him as one of the brightest in the MFA.
Economic Diplomacy and AfCFTA
As Director of Economic, Trade, and Investment, Bolaji championed economic diplomacy, ensuring foreign relations translated into domestic benefits. He engaged with the UN, ECOWAS, and other bodies to promote Africa's economic fairness. His enduring legacy includes championing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a vision of a single African market. He argued that Nigeria must shape the rules of Africa's integration, protect its interests, and seize opportunities. Customs Controller General Adewale Adeniyi commended Bolaji's high-level diplomatic dialogues, noting that AfCFTA's $3 trillion market potential could redefine Africa's global value chain role.
Informal Diplomacy and Legacy
Beyond formal roles, Bolaji practiced informal diplomacy, maintaining friendships and engaging with alumni. He would visit the author's restaurant in Atlanta for discussions on Nigerian foreign policy and invite him to meet Senate committees. His career included roles as Chief Protocol Officer to the Vice President, Director of Reforms and Innovation, and representative at the UN, WTO, and AU. Ambassador Bolaji's legacy is one of service, leadership, and strategic vision, blending intellect and empathy to move people and policies.
Kingsley Dike, former Foreign Affairs Editor of the Nation Newspaper and retired US Army intelligence analyst, wrote from Atlanta, Georgia.
