The Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the occasion of their 65th Independence Anniversary, marked annually on June 30th. The message was conveyed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to his counterpart, Her Excellency Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the DRC.
Nigeria joins in celebrating this historic moment, recognizing it as a powerful symbol of the courage, resilience, and determination of the Congolese people in their pursuit of freedom, national sovereignty, and self-determination. Since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the DRC has emerged as one of Africa’s most resource-rich and strategically located nations, playing a vital role in regional peacebuilding, environmental preservation, and economic development in Central Africa.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s enduring friendship with the DRC, highlighting decades of diplomatic cooperation and shared values rooted in Pan-African solidarity. Both countries are founding members of the African Union and have continually collaborated under regional and multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to advance continental peace, integration, and prosperity.
Nigeria acknowledges the DRC’s immense contributions to the cultural, environmental, and economic fabric of Africa. With vast reserves of critical minerals, biodiversity-rich rainforests, and a growing youthful population, the DRC holds a unique position in global climate action and sustainable development efforts.
The Government of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the DRC in key sectors including trade and investment, energy, climate resilience, regional security, education, and digital innovation. As part of ongoing efforts to deepen South-South cooperation, Nigeria has also expressed willingness to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint infrastructure initiatives, and humanitarian interventions aimed at addressing displacement, poverty, and instability in the Great Lakes region.
Ambassador Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s full support for the Congolese government’s commitment to democratic governance, conflict resolution, and inclusive national development. He also called on the international community to continue supporting DRC’s sovereignty and peacebuilding processes, especially in light of ongoing security challenges in the eastern part of the country.
Nigeria commends the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi and the Congolese people for their efforts in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering regional diplomacy. The Honourable Minister expressed optimism that under this leadership, the DRC will continue to make strides in achieving peace, unity, and economic empowerment for its citizens.
On this significant occasion, the Government and people of Nigeria extend best wishes to the Democratic Republic of Congo for a peaceful and joyful Independence Day celebration. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the DRC and remains a committed partner in the collective vision for a stable, prosperous, and united Africa.
Leave a comment