ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria and Japan have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations with a renewed focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation, as both countries seek to expand strategic partnership across key sectors.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. Shin Honda, in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, both sides reviewed existing ties and pledged to deepen political dialogue, promote sustainable development and enhance private sector collaboration.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye described Japan as a critical development partner and commended its global leadership in industrialisation, technological innovation and manufacturing.
He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to attract increased Japanese investment into key sectors of the economy and strengthen economic engagement between both countries.
“Nigeria remains committed to creating an enabling environment for stronger bilateral cooperation and welcomes closer collaboration between the private sectors of both countries to boost investment, technology transfer and economic growth,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Honda reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with Nigeria through increased trade, investment and development cooperation.
He highlighted Japan’s ongoing support in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding, as well as the role of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in facilitating business and investment ties.
Honda also announced plans for the Nigeria-Japan Special Policy Dialogue scheduled to hold in Abuja in August 2026, coinciding with the visit of Japan’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He noted that a proposed visit by Nigerian industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to Japan later this year is expected to further strengthen private sector engagement between both countries.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and the successful convening of the upcoming policy dialogue, underscoring their shared goal of advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.
