By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Venezuela have agreed to reschedule their long-anticipated Joint Commission meeting, signalling a renewed push to deepen diplomatic and economic ties while allowing more time to prepare for meaningful outcomes.
The decision followed a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and Venezuela’s Ambassador, Alberto Castellar Padilla, where both sides reviewed plans for the second session of the bilateral commission initially slated for June 2026.
Officials acknowledged that evolving administrative developments in both countries could affect the original timetable, prompting a mutual decision to shift the meeting rather than delay it indefinitely.
Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Ahmed underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership, and added that the decision to reschedule was deliberate and strategic.
He said: “Nigeria remains firmly committed to strengthening its longstanding diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and to ensuring that the Joint Commission delivers concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes.
“Both sides have agreed, in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, to move the meeting to a more suitable date to allow for comprehensive preparation, effective participation, and a successful engagement.”
The Permanent Secretary also expressed solidarity with Venezuela’s ongoing reforms and welcomed recent improvements in its economic outlook.
“We recognise and support Venezuela’s ongoing economic and institutional reforms, and we are encouraged by recent positive developments, including the easing of sanctions on key financial institutions, which hold significant potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation”, he noted.
On his part, Ambassador Padilla reaffirmed Venezuela’s readiness to deepen ties with Nigeria, describing the Joint Commission as a vital platform for collaboratio.
“The Joint Commission remains an essential mechanism for advancing cooperation between our two countries across critical sectors, and Venezuela is committed to working closely with Nigeria to ensure its success”, he said.
Both countries highlighted priority areas including agriculture, oil and gas, energy, mining, manufacturing, and information and communication technology as key pillars for expanded cooperation.
To support the process, the two sides agreed to establish a joint technical committee tasked with reviewing existing agreements, updating outdated frameworks, and coordinating documentation ahead of the rescheduled meeting.
A new date for the Joint Commission will be formally communicated once consultations are concluded.
The renewed engagement reflects over six decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations, anchored on shared interests in energy, development, and South–South cooperation, with both sides reiterating their commitment to tackling emerging global challenges through sustained dialogue.