By Akeem Bello PhD
At a time when the world grapples with rising geopolitical tensions, technological weaponisation, and the persistent threat of chemical warfare, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) stands as a bulwark against chaos. The selection of its next Director-General is not merely a bureaucratic exercise, it is a pivotal decision that will shape the trajectory of international peace and security.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a regional powerhouse in diplomacy and disarmament, has Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi for this esteemed position. Her candidacy is not only a testament to Nigeria’s enduring commitment to global peace but also a reflection of her own extraordinary blend of scientific acumen, diplomatic finesse, and principled leadership.
Nigeria’s engagement with the OPCW is deep-rooted and proactive. Since ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 1999, Nigeria has consistently aligned its national policies with the OPCW’s mission to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their re-emergence.
Nigeria facilitated regional dialogue and capacity-building for CWC implementation across Africa by hosting the 3rd Annual Meeting of African National Authorities in 2005. Nigerian experts have participated in OPCW training programs on chemical emergency response, laboratory development, and verification mechanisms. Nigeria has also supported the OPCW’s Scientific Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based policy and innovation. At the 79th UNGA in 2024, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, raised critical concerns about nuclear threats, echoing OPCW’s broader disarmament goals.
Nigeria has worked closely with the IAEA and the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa to advance non-proliferation and peaceful use of chemical technologies. It successfully eliminated weapons-grade uranium from its research reactor in Kaduna, reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism. These actions underscore Nigeria’s credibility as a responsible actor in global disarmament and its readiness to lead the OPCW into a new era of accountability and innovation.
Dr. Eniola Ajayi is not merely a candidate, she is a convergence of disciplines, experiences, and values that the OPCW urgently needs. Trained as an optometrist and ocular pathologist, she ran a successful eye care practice for 28 years. Her scientific background instilled in her a rigorous, evidence-based approach to problem-solving. As Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, and later Environment in Ekiti State, she championed sustainable development, environmental protection, and STEM education.
Dr. Ajayi served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. Most notably, she was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, where she represented Nigeria at the OPCW, ICC, ICJ, PCA, and other global institutions. Her tenure at the OPCW included serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Council for two consecutive terms, Chairperson of the Chemical Industry and Article VI Issues Cluster, and presiding over the 99th Session of the Executive Council during a critical juncture in OPCW’s history. She is widely respected for her ability to build consensus across diverse geopolitical interests.
Dr. Ajayi’s unique background allows her to understand both the technical and political dimensions of chemical weapons control. She embodies the rare ability to translate scientific data into actionable policy. Her leadership within the Africa Group at the OPCW and her ambassadorial roles across Europe positioned her as a bridge-builder between the Global South and North, essential for OPCW’s inclusive governance. From environmental policy to international law, Dr. Ajayi has consistently pushed for reforms that are sustainable, equitable, and forward-looking. Her diplomatic style is rooted in listening, consensus-building, and respect for international norms, qualities that are indispensable in today’s fragmented global order.
Dr. Ajayi’s candidacy is not just about national pride, it’s about global responsibility. As a country that has consistently championed peace, Nigeria envisions an OPCW that is more transparent, more inclusive, more innovative, and more collaborative. Strengthening verification mechanisms, elevating voices from the Global South, investing in scientific research, and deepening partnerships with UN bodies and civil society are all part of this vision.
The OPCW stands at a crossroads. The threats of chemical warfare, terrorism, and rogue state actors are evolving. The Organisation needs a leader who understands the science, respects the diplomacy, and embodies the integrity required to navigate this complex terrain. Dr. Eniola Ajayi is that leader. Her candidacy is not just a Nigerian proposal, it is a global opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to a safer, chemical-free world. The international community must rise to this moment and support a candidate who brings vision, experience, and unwavering dedication to peace.
In nominating Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Nigeria offers the OPCW a leader who is capable and transformative. Her life’s work reflects the ideals that the OPCW was founded upon, science, diplomacy, and peace. As the world looks ahead, let us choose leadership that inspires trust, fosters unity, and delivers results. Let us choose Dr. Eniola Ajayi.
*Dr. Akeem Bello is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, and International Diplomacy, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Dr. Bello is an expert on International Security. He writes from Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.*