The Federal Republic of Nigeria has nominated Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi for the position of Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)—a candidacy that brings together scientific precision, diplomatic experience, and an unwavering commitment to peace and security.
A seasoned diplomat, public servant, and trained scientist, Ambassador Ajayi stands out as a uniquely qualified candidate at a critical time for the OPCW. With nearly four decades of professional experience, she exemplifies the blend of technical knowledge and principled diplomacy essential for leading the Organisation into a new era.
“I am a bridge between science and diplomacy,” Dr. Ajayi explains. “My training as a clinician has taught me to make decisions based on evidence, and my years as a diplomat have taught me the importance of listening, inclusivity, and consensus-building.”
A Career at the Crossroads of Science and Diplomacy
Dr. Ajayi began her career as an optometrist and ocular pathologist, operating a successful private eye care practice in Nigeria for 28 years. Her journey from clinical science into governance saw her serve in the Executive Arm of Government, where she held cabinet positions as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, and later, Environment. In both roles, she introduced reforms advancing sustainable development, innovation, and science-based policymaking.
“When I entered public service, I carried my commitment to evidence-based solutions with me,” she says. “Whether in education, technology, or environmental policy, I advocated for strategies that were not only smart, but sustainable.”
Her transition to diplomacy was marked by similar distinction. She served as Ambassador to Hungary, concurrently accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. Most recently, she was Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, representing Nigeria to a host of international institutions, including the OPCW, International Criminal Court (ICC), Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“Serving as Ambassador to the Netherlands placed me at the heart of global justice and disarmament,” she notes. “It was a profound responsibility and a tremendous learning experience.”
A Proven Record at the OPCW
Ambassador Ajayi’s experience within the OPCW is both extensive and substantive. She has held key roles, such as:
- Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Council, representing the Africa Group for two consecutive terms
- Chairperson of the Chemical Industry and Article VI Issues Cluster
- Chair of the 99th Session of the Executive Council, which she successfully presided over at a critical juncture in the Organisation’s history
“At the OPCW, I learned that integrity is non-negotiable,” she asserts. “No matter how contentious the issue, fairness and procedure must guide our deliberations.”
Vision for the OPCW: Continuity, Innovation, and Inclusion
In outlining her vision for the future of the OPCW, Ambassador Ajayi pledges to uphold the foundational mandate of the Organisation: that “chemical weapons shall never be used by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances.”
Her six-point strategic vision includes:
- Achieving Universality of the CWC – Championing global adoption and full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, with no exceptions.
- Modernizing for Impact – Enhancing budget efficiency, optimizing the new ChemTech Centre, and aligning resources with evolving threats in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.
- People-Centered, Mission-Driven Leadership – Promoting geographic diversity, inclusive participation, and institutional memory within the OPCW’s non-career structure.
- Concluding Outstanding Files – Resolving pending issues, including Syria, through transparent, respectful processes grounded in the tenets of the Convention.
- Staying Vigilant in a Changing World – Strengthening verification mechanisms and improving cooperation to confront threats from non-state actors and rogue regimes.
- Leadership with Integrity – A commitment to fairness, firmness, and approachability, creating a culture of trust and principled diplomacy.
“I will lead with humility, but also with courage,” she affirms. “The OPCW must adapt to new realities, but never at the expense of its foundational values.”
A Historic Opportunity for Representation
Ambassador Ajayi’s candidacy carries historic significance. If elected, she would be the first African and the first woman to serve as Director-General of the OPCW since its inception. Her candidacy is not just symbolic; it is rooted in demonstrated leadership, deep expertise, and a strong moral compass.
“Representation matters—not for its own sake, but because it brings new perspectives,” she says. “As an African woman, I bring lived experiences that can contribute to a more just and inclusive multilateral system.”
She currently chairs the Federal Government of Nigeria Women Ambassadors Network, where she promotes gender equality in diplomacy. She is also a published author; her recent book “Mastering Diplomacy” reflects her insights and experience in international affairs.
“The diplomatic world must reflect the world it serves,” Dr. Ajayi writes in her book. “We must strive for equity not just in outcomes, but in voices heard.”
A Diplomat Grounded in Principle
Ambassador Ajayi’s leadership philosophy is guided by three pillars: integrity, inclusivity, and impact. Her diplomatic approach is shaped by Nigeria’s foreign policy doctrine of “friendship to all, enmity to none,” making her a natural consensus-builder and advocate for peaceful solutions.
Her technical background enables her to bridge the scientific and political dimensions of the OPCW’s work, offering a strategic edge essential for navigating the Organisation’s complex mandate.
“Science without diplomacy is blind, and diplomacy without science is empty,” she remarks. “We must marry both to confront the complex threats of today’s world.”
Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi offers the OPCW a compelling mix of scientific competence, executive experience, and diplomatic skill. As she states, “I will be friendly, firm, and fair.” Her candidacy reflects not only the aspirations of Nigeria, but also the global need for strong, inclusive, and principled leadership to preserve the world’s collective commitment to a future free from chemical weapons.
