ABUJA — Nigeria’s new Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi, has formally begun his diplomatic assignment in Harare, with both countries seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, energy and the digital economy.
Ikurusi presented his Letters of Credence to Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa at State House, Harare, on Thursday, formally marking the commencement of his tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to Zimbabwe.
The development was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a Press Release signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Friday.
Following the ceremony, Ikurusi held a bilateral meeting with Mnangagwa, during which they reviewed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Zimbabwe and discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation.
Mnangagwa congratulated Ikurusi on his appointment and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria.
The Zimbabwean President also acknowledged Nigeria’s support for his country, particularly its position on sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and its backing for Zimbabwe’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
The two sides also welcomed ongoing efforts to revitalise the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Nigeria pushes economic cooperation
Ikurusi conveyed the greetings and goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Government to Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
The ambassador reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on trade and investment, agriculture and food security, mining and solid minerals, energy, manufacturing, and information and communication technology.
He stressed the need to identify practical areas of cooperation capable of delivering tangible benefits to both countries.
The new envoy also expressed Nigeria’s support for African-led and African-owned solutions to the continent’s challenges, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and security, democratic governance and regional integration.
Focus on people-to-people ties
Beyond economic relations, Ikurusi said Nigeria was ready to encourage greater cooperation in academic exchanges, culture, tourism and youth development.
He described such areas as important avenues for strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigerians and Zimbabweans.
Ikurusi assured Mnangagwa of his commitment to working closely with the Zimbabwean Government and other stakeholders to strengthen bilateral relations and advance mutually beneficial initiatives.
Mnangagwa, in turn, assured the Nigerian ambassador of his support and cooperation in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the presentation of the Letters of Credence represented an important step towards consolidating the historic Nigeria-Zimbabwe relationship and advancing cooperation based on shared African interests and mutual respect.
