Nigeria, Italy Set To Boost Ties Through Migration, Security, Trade
As irregular migration and youth vulnerability continue to test Nigeria’s future, Abuja is strengthening strategic partnerships to turn shared challenges into opportunities.
Nigeria and Italy are set to deepen bilateral relations, with both countries prioritising cooperation on irregular migration, insecurity, counter-terrorism and economic development.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while receiving the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Roberto Mengoni, in Abuja.
She described Italy as a key European partner and called for the establishment of a Nigeria-Italy bi-national commission to further institutionalise cooperation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted shared interests in sustainable development, food security, renewable energy, agribusiness and infrastructure, while also stressing the need for closer collaboration to tackle illegal migration, human trafficking and violent extremism.
She urged Italy to support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and called for improved visa processing to enhance mobility for trade, education and cultural exchange.
The minister also advocated better trade facilitation to allow Nigerian agricultural and manufactured goods direct access to the Italian market.
On migration, she said both countries are working on repatriation agreements, voluntary return programmes and reintegration support, alongside initiatives to create jobs and reduce migration pressures in high-risk communities.
“With our large youth population, we are deeply concerned about the safety and future of our young people,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, stressing the need for skills development, job creation and capacity-building to combat online radicalisation and violent extremism.
Earlier, Ambassador Mengoni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, describing the country as strategic to Italy’s engagement with Africa and pledging to deepen cooperation for mutual benefit.
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