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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as both countries seek to expand cooperation in diplomacy, culture and international affairs.

The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador-designate of the DPRK to Nigeria, Mr Jo Yong Sam, to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Dunoma congratulated the envoy on his appointment and assured him of the Ministry’s full support in the discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities.

He expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the DPRK, which dates back to 1976, would continue to flourish.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the DPRK’s consistent backing of Nigeria’s candidatures in international organisations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful dialogue aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

He also proposed the early revival of cultural exchanges, particularly in film and the creative industry, alongside plans to convene the Fifth Session of the Nigeria–DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang on a mutually agreed date.

Ambassador Dunoma further advocated stronger reciprocal cooperation, including the allocation of land for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang and increased employment opportunities for Nigerians at the DPRK Embassy in Abuja.

He said, “The cordial relations between both countries, established in 1976, would continue to grow from strength to strength.”

In his remarks, Ambassador-designate Jo Yong Sam commended Nigeria’s leadership role on the African continent and its increasing influence in global affairs.

He also praised the country’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening relations as both countries prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.

The envoy further reiterated the DPRK’s support for Nigeria’s aspirations in international organisations, including its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

He identified visa facilitation as an important area requiring attention to encourage greater official exchanges and stronger people-to-people relations between both countries.

Ambassador Jo also proposed the institutionalisation of congratulatory messages between the leaders of Nigeria and the DPRK during national celebrations and other important occasions as a reflection of the enduring friendship between both nations.

He said, “The DPRK remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations as both countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.”

Responding, Ambassador Dunoma assured the Ambassador-designate that all issues raised during the meeting, including visa facilitation and the exchange of official messages between the leadership of both countries, would receive due consideration through the appropriate government channels.

Both sides restated their shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand engagement in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and Portugal have restated their commitment to expanding bilateral relations following high-level engagements between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and senior Portuguese officials during her official visit to Portugal.

According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the discussions, held on the sidelines of the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, also included an interactive meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, underscoring Nigeria’s renewed focus on economic diplomacy and diaspora engagement.

During a bilateral meeting with Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel, both countries reviewed the state of their longstanding relationship and identified new areas for collaboration.

The talks centred on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, agriculture, education, defence, regional security and capacity building.

The two ministers also examined plans to establish a Nigeria–Portugal Joint Commission aimed at strengthening political consultations between both countries. They further reviewed progress towards concluding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement, while reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and closer cooperation under the Africa–European Union Partnership framework.

As part of her visit, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, where she praised their contributions to the economic and social development of both Nigeria and Portugal.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government  to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, assuring them of continued consular support.

The minister urged members of the diaspora to remain united, law-abiding and to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria wherever they reside.

She also encouraged them to deploy their knowledge, investments and innovative ideas towards Nigeria’s national development.

The visit reflects Nigeria’s determination to deepen its strategic partnership with Portugal while strengthening ties with Nigerians in the diaspora, whom it described as key partners in advancing the country’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy and sustainable development objectives.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and Ghana have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling the growing wave of Afrophobic protests and attacks against African nationals across the continent, with both countries pledging to push the issue onto the agenda of the next African Union Summit.

The commitment followed a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the sidelines of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

During the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, describing both countries as partners with shared values and common aspirations for Africa.

He said, “There is a need for increased collaboration and strategic consultation between our two countries, as well as preventive diplomacy that will enable us to address potential challenges before they escalate.”

The minister also conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and praised Ghana’s leadership in advancing Pan-Africanism and the campaign for reparations for Africans and people of African descent affected by the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.

He congratulated President Mahama on the adoption of the landmark United Nations resolution on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the successful hosting of the Next Steps High-Level Conference on reparative justice.

According to him, “Nigeria aligns with and fully supports the decisions of the Conference in the quest for reparative justice for Africans.”

Responding, Ghana’s Foreign Minister congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his recent appointment and expressed confidence that both countries would continue to strengthen their diplomatic partnership.

He said, “There is a need for continuous collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana, anchored on action-oriented preventive diplomacy achieved through brotherly communication devoid of unnecessary bureaucracy.”

Ablakwa also thanked Nigeria for supporting the landmark UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade and its continued advocacy for reparative justice.

He highlighted progress already made, including formal apologies issued by the Pope, the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, alongside ongoing efforts by several European countries to return looted artefacts.

The Ghanaian minister further acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution at the recent high-level conference on reparative justice.

He said, “We appreciate the positive impact of the Nigerian delegation, particularly the statement delivered and the commitment expressed by Nigeria in advancing the cause of reparative justice.”

A major focus of the meeting was the recent rise in Afrophobic protests and attacks targeting African nationals, particularly in South Africa.

Both ministers expressed concern that such incidents threaten the ideals of African unity, regional integration and the free movement of people envisioned under the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
They jointly condemned xenophobia, Afrophobia and all forms of violence directed at fellow Africans.

The ministers stated that “all forms of xenophobia, Afrophobia, intolerance and violence against fellow Africans are contrary to the shared values of Pan-Africanism and the collective progress of the continent.”

They stressed the need for coordinated continental action to address the root causes of such tensions, safeguard the rights and dignity of African migrants and promote peaceful coexistence across the continent.

The ministers also maintained that while individuals involved in criminal activities should face justice, they should be prosecuted in accordance with the law rather than becoming victims of mob violence.

They emphasised that “criminals among migrant populations must be treated in accordance with the rule of law and not be subjected to violence and mob actions that often target even regular migrants and other law-abiding African citizens.”

As part of their resolutions, both countries agreed to work together to ensure that Afrophobia becomes a priority issue at the next African Union Summit.

They also pledged to engage other member states in advocating stronger African Union mechanisms, including enhanced monitoring systems, early warning structures and preventive diplomacy to prevent future incidents.

The meeting reaffirmed the close ties between Nigeria and Ghana, with both ministers calling on African Union member states to recommit themselves to the principles of Pan-Africanism, mutual respect and the free movement of persons.

They further encouraged sustained public education and dialogue to combat prejudice, strengthen solidarity and promote greater understanding among African communities.

The discussions ended with both countries reaffirming their commitment to working together within ECOWAS, the African Union and other multilateral platforms to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Africa.