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Nigeria-Austria Renew Strategic Ties with Pledge on Development, Security, Multilateral Cooperation
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By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, deepening multilateral cooperation and expanding partnerships in key strategic sectors .
This followed a high-level diplomatic meeting held on Thursday, in Abuja, the engagement brought together Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu-Ojukwu, and Austria’s Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik. The talks focused on reviewing existing relations, addressing shared global and regional challenges, and identifying practical areas for enhanced cooperation.
Welcoming the Austrian delegation, Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu described Austria as a longstanding and trusted partner, noting that “bilateral relations between both countries have remained cordial and consistent for over five decades”.
She recalled Austria’s early diplomatic presence in Nigeria and acknowledged the role of past Austrian envoys in strengthening institutional links and people-to-people relations.
She further observed that “beyond formal diplomacy, cultural familiarity and mutual goodwill have contributed to positive perceptions and enduring affinity between Nigerians and Austria”, adding that this foundation continues to support the growth of the relationship.
Outlining Nigeria’s priorities, the Minister said the country was keen to expand economic cooperation, particularly in 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 sectors where Austrian expertise could support Nigeria’s development goals.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged Austrian businesses to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area as a gateway to wider regional markets.
On education and cultural exchange, Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu noted the growing interest of Nigerians in studying and training in Austria, stating that “education and cultural diplomacy are critical drivers of mutual understanding and sustainable partnership”.
She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand scholarship schemes and institutional collaboration between universities, research bodies and cultural institutions in both countries.
Security and regional stability also featured prominently in the discussions. Briefing the Austrian delegation, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism and organised crime across the Sahel and West Africa, stressing that “terrorism and insecurity are global challenges that cannot be addressed by any single country”.
She stressed the need for collective action, intelligence sharing and sustained international cooperation.
Migration was discussed as a shared concern requiring balanced and humane solutions. The Minister explained that Nigeria favours “orderly, regular migration pathways that protect human rights while addressing the root causes of irregular migration”, including unemployment and skills gaps.
She added that skills development and vocational training were key to transforming migration into “a tool for development rather than a source of instability”.
In response, His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik expressed appreciation for the warm reception and open dialogue, reaffirming Austria’s respect for Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa. He said Austria regarded Nigeria as “one of its closest and most important partners on the continent”, noting that Nigerian perspectives were central to shaping Austria’s evolving Africa strategy.
He said that the strategy aims to create a coherent framework that balances national interests with commitments to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, while focusing on measurable results. Priority areas include peace and security, economic cooperation, skills-based migration, and collaboration in education, science, culture and environmental protection.
Multilateral cooperation and the defence of a rules-based international order were identified as shared priorities. The Austrian delegation highlighted Austria’s role as a neutral host of major international organisations and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support for Austria’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council, with assurances of reciprocal backing for Nigeria’s future aspirations.
Reiterating Nigeria’s stance, Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu said the country remains firmly committed to “multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for managing global crises and preserving international peace and security”.
She also shared Nigeria’s views on regional challenges in West Africa, including issues of governance, integration and collective security.
Education, capacity-building and people-to-people exchanges emerged as further areas of convergence. The Austrian side highlighted opportunities for Nigerian participation in programmes at Austria’s Diplomatic Academy, while the Nigerian delegation welcomed the initiative, stressing that “investment in human capital and professional training is essential for navigating an increasingly complex international system”.
Both countries restated their readiness to work closely to expand cooperation across agreed priority areas, guided by mutual respect, shared values and a results-driven approach.
The engagement underscored a shared belief that strong bilateral partnerships, anchored in multilateral cooperation, remain vital to peace, stability and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
By Gloria Ikibah
Fresh political manoeuvring has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following the endorsement of Bauchi-born development economist and politician, makindeDr Ibrahim Waziri, as a preferred presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development has added a new layer of intrigue to the party’s presidential calculations, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the party’s ticket for the next presidential contest.
At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race.
The endorsement is understood to have received significant support from influential party figures across the 19 Northern states, strengthening Waziri’s position within the emerging contest for the party’s presidential nomination.
The move is expected to reshape internal discussions within the APM, with supporters of the Bauchi politician arguing that his profile, experience and national network place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next election cycle.
Isa Mohammed a party member backing Waziri maintained that he enjoys considerable political goodwill across different regions of the country and possesses the capacity to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of 2027.
“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate
“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027,” Mohammed said.
He further expressed confidence that Waziri would eventually secure official recognition as the party’s presidential candidate.
“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.
A veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said “Waziri is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was active during the Third Republic and participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s candidate”.
Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also sought elective offices including governor and senator at different periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Beyond politics, Waziri is known in business and technology circles as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in Nigeria. He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.
His profile received further prominence recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.
In adopting Waziri, the stakeholders cited what they described as his extensive experience in governance, economic management and nation-building.
According to them, the challenges confronting Nigeria require leadership with a clear focus on security, poverty reduction, national unity and institutional reforms.
They said Waziri’s proposed agenda prioritises “National Security, Poverty Alleviation, National Unity and Democratic Accountability,” areas they believe are critical to the country’s future stability and development.
The endorsement is likely to deepen internal discussions within the APM as party stakeholders continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Attempts to reach key figures across different camps within the party, including individuals believed to be associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential aspirations, did not yield any response before press time.
Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, the latest development highlights the growing contest for influence, relevance and strategic positioning among potential contenders.
The move also reflects the increasing pace of political consultations and alliance-building taking place across party lines as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.
Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.
While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.
He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.
Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.
The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.
However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.
“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.
“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.
“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”
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