Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi: Nigeria’s Choice of Candidacy for Director-General of the OPCW

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, and a product  of that prestigious institution, Christ's School Ado-Ekiti, 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.” Ambassador Eniola Ajayi noted.