Nigeria and Mauritania have pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy and security following the accreditation of Nigeria’s new ambassador to the West African country.
Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mauritania, Zayyad Abdussalam, presented his Letter of Credence to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani on October 20, 2026, formally accrediting him as Nigeria’s representative to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
During an audience with Ghazouani after the ceremony, Abdussalam conveyed the greetings and goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the Mauritanian leader, as well as to the country’s government and people.
The ambassador reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding relations between both countries, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest.
According to the ministry, Abdussalam expressed his determination to work closely with the Mauritanian government to consolidate existing areas of collaboration and explore new bilateral partnerships.
Nigeria Targets Stronger Economic and Security Ties
The renewed commitment covers political, economic and social relations, with trade, investment, energy and security identified as priority areas for closer engagement.
The two countries also expressed a shared resolve to translate their existing diplomatic relations into practical outcomes that would benefit their respective populations.
The accreditation provides a formal diplomatic framework for Abdussalam to advance Nigeria’s interests in Mauritania and pursue opportunities for closer government-to-government cooperation.
Abdussalam’s appointment is based in Dakar, Senegal, where he will reside while serving as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mauritania.
The arrangement places his diplomatic mission within Nigeria’s regional engagement across West Africa, where cooperation on economic development, security and trade remains important to relations between neighbouring and partner countries.
Both Countries Reaffirm Longstanding Friendship
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ceremony underscored the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Mauritania and their determination to expand bilateral cooperation.
It added that both countries remained committed to exploring partnerships capable of delivering mutual benefits across political, economic and social spheres.
The latest diplomatic engagement comes as Nigeria continues to pursue stronger regional partnerships through trade, investment and security cooperation.
However, the ministry did not announce specific agreements, investment commitments or implementation timelines arising from the ambassador’s meeting with the Mauritanian president.
