Nigeria, Japan Pursue Stronger Investment Ties
Nigeria and Japan are seeking to deepen economic cooperation through increased investment, industrial development, technology transfer and energy partnerships as the two countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call during a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, on 26 October 2026.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, urging both countries to translate existing agreements into concrete programmes and measurable development outcomes.
She said the outcomes of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum, held in Abuja on 27 August 2026, should be implemented through investment commitments, practical programmes and regular consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries.
“The outcomes of the Forum must be translated into concrete programmes, investment commitments and measurable development outcomes,” the minister said.
A key proposal was the establishment of a Nigeria-Japan Industrial and Investment Hub to facilitate business partnerships, technology transfer, industrial growth and access to the wider African market.
The minister requested the Japanese Embassy’s assistance in developing a practical roadmap for the initiative.
She also called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian and Japanese companies through joint ventures, local content development, skills transfer and integration into Japanese supply chains.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged greater engagement by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to connect investors with credible Nigerian businesses and public-sector partners.
Energy and development cooperation
In the energy sector, Nigeria welcomed Japan’s interest in resilient energy and critical-mineral supply chains, encouraging investment in solid minerals, gas development, cleaner energy technologies and industrial decarbonisation.
The minister also highlighted Japan’s development cooperation through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and technical training.
She welcomed a JICA-supported $10 million initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem through catalytic capital and institutional development, in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.
Visa challenges and regional security
The meeting also addressed consular matters, with Nigeria calling for continued dialogue on visa-related challenges and practical measures to facilitate legitimate travel for businesspeople, students, researchers, government officials and tourists.
Ambassador Suzuki assured that visa-related issues would be handled expeditiously.
On regional security, Nigeria acknowledged Japan’s contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and stabilisation efforts in Nigeria and West Africa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability through the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, while encouraging continued Japanese support for African-led peace and development initiatives.
“Existing cordial relations between both countries can be translated into a more dynamic partnership focused on investment, industrialisation, technology transfer and shared prosperity,” the minister said.
The meeting underscored both countries’ interest in building on more than six decades of diplomatic relations by expanding commercial engagement and translating existing cooperation into measurable economic outcomes.
Ambassador Suzuki described Nigeria as a strategic African giant and reaffirmed Japan’s desire to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The statement was issued by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on 27 October 2026.
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