Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, a ranking member of the Nigerian parliament, was appointed the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by the 10th Assembly, under the indefatigable Honourable Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

He had briefly served as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary before his redeployment to the Foreign Affairs Committee. During his short yet impactful stint at the judiciary committee, he agitated for an increase in the salary of judges, and conducive environment and also called for a stronger judicial system in Nigeria.

A distinguished ranking member of the National Assembly, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke has, over the years, demonstrated exceptional leadership and legislative acumen through his service as chairman of several strategic committees of the House of Representatives, Procurement, Defence, and Public Accounts. His remarkable record of achievements and depth of experience have firmly established him as aincluding highly respected, informed, and resourceful parliamentarian.

At a time when our dear nation is determined to move beyond cosmetic rebranding toward a comprehensive revamping and repositioning of Nigeria’s image in the global community in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly has redoubled its commitment to effective governance and institutional accountability.

In this regard, it is noteworthy to commend the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, under the able and dynamic leadership of Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, for its robust and unprecedented oversight engagements that underscore the renewed vigour of the 10th National Assembly in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and global standing.

The Committee has continued to hold strategic engagements with the heads of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world, in alignment with the national diplomatic framework of the Presidency. Guided by its legislative oversight mandate, the Committee ensures that our foreign missions operate effectively and in full compliance with the constitutional provisions establishing their existence.

In addition, the Committee provides advisory support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while also collaborating with foreign missions to promote trade, investment, peace, security, and socio-economic development. Through these efforts, the Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests and global partnerships.
So far, the Committee has undertaken visits to numerous foreign missions, with more scheduled, to study their operational and legal frameworks in comparison with Nigeria’s. These visits are aimed at developing legislative instruments that enhance institutional efficiency and promote the ease of doing business within the global diplomatic space.

It is important to note that in a reciprocal show of diplomatic courtesy and appreciation, a number of foreign countries’ envoys have also paid working visits to the office of the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs; these include, but are not limited to, the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria and his team, the United Kingdom foreign service officials, the United States of America foreign affairs delegations, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Nigeria and his delegation, and the foreign affairs officials of the People’s Republic of China, just to mention a few.

Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, maintains a broad spectrum of diplomatic relationships across the world. We are an active member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations (UN), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and several other international and regional organisations.

Our diplomatic engagements and foreign policies are coordinated under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is entrusted with the mandate to manage and advance Nigeria’s international relations, bilateral agreements, and global partnerships.

Under the distinguished leadership of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry has experienced renewed vigour and strategic direction. Since his assumption of office, Ambassador Tuggar has strengthened Nigeria’s global standing, deepened diplomatic ties, and provided exemplary leadership that continues to enhance our nation’s image and influence on the international stage.

The constitutional responsibilities of Members of Parliament primarily encompass lawmaking, legislative oversight, and the amendment of existing laws. Accordingly, they do not possess executive authority nor perform administrative functions reserved for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, under the distinguished leadership of Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, remains unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.

The Committee will continue to conduct diligent oversight of Nigeria’s foreign missions to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability. It will neither relent nor be distracted in its resolve to reposition and rejuvenate our foreign missions across the globe, while working tirelessly to restore Nigeria’s rightful place among the community of nations.

Otunba Kunle Bolarinde
Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the Speaker
House of Representatives
National Assembly, Abuja