Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand economic engagement across key sectors.
The pledge was made when Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, met with his Japanese counterpart on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
Ambassador Tuggar commended Japan’s role in hosting TICAD 9 and its longstanding support for Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Nigeria values Japan’s consistent partnership in Africa’s development. We see opportunities to take this cooperation further, especially in energy transition, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy,” he said.
The discussions focused on expanding investment opportunities, with Nigeria showcasing recent economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.
Both sides also reviewed prospects for technical cooperation in vocational training, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture.
Security issues were also on the agenda, including counterterrorism, maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and peacekeeping collaboration.
In line with TICAD 9 priorities covering inclusive growth, climate resilience, and peacebuilding, the two ministers also pledged stronger multilateral cooperation, including United Nations reform and global peace initiatives.
Ambassador Tuggar invited his Japanese counterpart to Nigeria for follow-up consultations and proposed a Nigeria–Japan Strategic Partnership Framework to guide future relations.
He also urged Japanese technology companies to invest in Nigeria’s Smart City and Digital Economy projects, while seeking greater collaboration in science, innovation, and healthcare.
PIAK