Nigeria and Japan Strengthen Bilateral Ties at TICAD 9, Explore Strategic Partnership for Investment, Security, and Innovation

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), held a high-level meeting with his Japanese counterpart on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Japan and strengthening cooperation across key sectors.

Ambassador Tuggar praised Japan’s hospitality and leadership in hosting TICAD 9, acknowledging the country’s long-standing partnership with Africa through TICAD and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He highlighted Nigeria’s appreciation for Japan’s role in supporting Africa’s sustainable growth and promoting inclusive development.

The discussions between both foreign ministers focused on expanding economic cooperation, with Nigeria extending an invitation for increased Japanese investments in critical sectors such as energy transition, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Ambassador Tuggar also provided updates on Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, aimed at improving the business environment and attracting global investors.

Both sides reviewed potential areas of technical cooperation, including vocational training, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture. Security also featured prominently in the dialogue, with an emphasis on regional stability, counterterrorism, maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and peacekeeping efforts.

In addition, Nigeria encouraged Japanese technology companies to take part in the country’s Smart City and Digital Economy projects, while also calling for closer collaboration in science, innovation, and healthcare system strengthening.

The talks were in line with TICAD 9’s overarching priorities of inclusive growth, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation, including pushing for United Nations reforms and broader global peace initiatives.

Ambassador Tuggar concluded the meeting by inviting Japan’s Foreign Minister to visit Nigeria for further consultations and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–Japan Strategic Partnership Framework to guide future diplomatic, economic, and security engagements.