Nigeria and Japan are seeking to deepen economic ties through increased investment, industrial development, technology transfer and energy cooperation as the two countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership during a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, on October 26.
She expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding development assistance and called for stronger efforts to translate bilateral agreements into tangible economic and development outcomes.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need to implement the outcomes of the 10th Nigeria–Japan Special Partnership Forum, held in Abuja on August 27, 2026, through concrete programmes, investment commitments and regular consultations between both countries’ foreign ministries.
“The outcomes of the Forum must be translated into concrete programmes, investment commitments and measurable development outcomes,” the minister said.
A key proposal was the establishment of a Nigeria–Japan Industrial and Investment Hub to facilitate business partnerships, technology transfer, industrial growth and access to the wider African market. The minister requested the Japanese Embassy’s assistance in developing a practical roadmap for the initiative.
She also called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian and Japanese companies through joint ventures, local content development, skills transfer and integration into Japanese supply chains. Greater engagement by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was encouraged to connect investors with credible Nigerian businesses and public-sector partners.
In the energy sector, Nigeria welcomed Japan’s interest in resilient energy and critical-mineral supply chains, encouraging investment in solid minerals, gas development, cleaner energy technologies and industrial decarbonisation.
The minister also highlighted Japan’s development cooperation through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and technical training. She welcomed a JICA-supported $10million initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem through catalytic capital and institutional development, in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.
On regional security, Nigeria acknowledged Japan’s contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and stabilisation in Nigeria and West Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability through the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, while encouraging continued Japanese support for African-led peace and development initiatives.
On consular affairs, Nigeria called for continued dialogue on visa-related challenges and practical measures to facilitate legitimate travel for businesspeople, students, researchers, government officials and tourists.
“Existing cordial relations between both countries can be translated into a more dynamic partnership focused on investment, industrialisation, technology transfer and shared prosperity,” the minister said.
The meeting underscored Nigeria’s desire to build on more than six decades of diplomatic relations with Japan by expanding commercial engagement and turning existing cooperation into measurable economic gains.
Also, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo said his country was desirous of deepening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, describing it as a strategic African giant.
He assured that visa-related issues would be handled expeditiously.
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