Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and advancing mutually beneficial partnerships across key strategic sectors following a high level engagement between the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu Ojukwu and the Secretary General of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs of the Republic of Austria His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik. The meeting took place on Thursday 22 January 2026 and underscored the growing importance both countries attach to sustained diplomatic engagement and principled international cooperation.
The meeting provided an important platform to review the trajectory of Nigeria Austria relations exchange perspectives on evolving global and regional challenges and identify practical pathways for expanding cooperation in areas of common interest. It was held against the backdrop of significant geopolitical shifts economic realignments and security concerns affecting Europe Africa and the wider international system highlighting the relevance of dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
Welcoming the Austrian delegation Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Austria’s longstanding friendship and constructive engagement noting that bilateral relations between both countries have remained cordial and consistent for more than five decades. She recalled Austria’s historical diplomatic presence in Nigeria and acknowledged the contributions of past Austrian envoys in strengthening institutional frameworks and people to people ties. The Minister observed that beyond formal diplomacy cultural familiarity and mutual goodwill have played a significant role in shaping positive perceptions and enduring affinity between Nigerians and Austrians providing a solid foundation for continued cooperation.
In outlining Nigeria’s priorities the Minister emphasised the country’s strong interest in expanding economic cooperation with Austria particularly in the areas of trade and investment. She identified renewable energy green and environmental technologies food security agro processing infrastructure development digital innovation and information and communications technology as strategic sectors where Austrian expertise technology transfer and private sector participation could significantly support Nigeria’s development objectives. She further encouraged Austrian businesses to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area as a gateway to broader regional markets. According to her Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and diversification agenda are aimed at attracting long term sustainable and value driven investment partnerships.
Cultural educational and academic cooperation were also highlighted as enduring pillars of the Nigeria Austria relationship. The Minister recalled existing memoranda of understanding on cultural exchange and noted the growing interest among Nigerian students and professionals in Austrian educational and vocational institutions. She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand scholarship opportunities academic exchanges and institutional collaboration between universities research centres and cultural organisations in both countries recognising education and cultural diplomacy as critical drivers of mutual understanding innovation and sustainable development.
Security cooperation and regional stability featured prominently in the discussions. Ambassador Odumiegwu Ojukwu briefed the Austrian delegation on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism violent extremism and organised crime particularly within the Sahel and West African sub regions. She stressed the interconnected nature of security challenges across regions and underscored Nigeria’s belief in collective action intelligence sharing and capacity building through multilateral frameworks. The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s active role in regional peace and security initiatives and its continued commitment to working with international partners to address the root causes of insecurity including poverty inequality and climate related pressures.
On multilateral issues both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules based international order respect for international law and the strengthening of multilateral institutions. The Nigerian delegation reiterated the country’s support for multilateralism as the most effective approach to addressing global challenges such as climate change migration public health crises and conflict prevention. The Austrian side welcomed Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
In his remarks His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik commended Nigeria’s regional influence and its constructive engagement on continental and global issues. He reaffirmed Austria’s interest in strengthening political dialogue economic cooperation and people to people exchanges with Nigeria and noted the potential for expanded collaboration in sustainable development climate action and innovation driven growth.
Both delegations agreed that the engagement marked another positive step in the evolving Nigeria Austria partnership and expressed confidence that continued dialogue and practical cooperation would further strengthen bilateral ties. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to follow up on agreed areas of cooperation and to sustain regular high level engagements in support of peace prosperity and shared global responsibility.
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