By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria and Japan have renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), where Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held talks with his Japanese counterpart on the sidelines of the summit.
Ambassador Tuggar commended Japan’s hospitality and leadership in hosting TICAD 9, praising the cordial relations between both nations and Japan’s longstanding support for Africa’s development through the TICAD framework and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, with Nigeria extending an invitation for Japanese investments in key priority sectors, including energy transition, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and fostering greater foreign participation.
Both sides reviewed opportunities for technical cooperation in vocational training, renewable energy, and climate-smart agriculture, while also exchanging views on regional security issues, counterterrorism efforts, maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and peacekeeping collaboration.
The Nigerian Foreign Minister further invited Japanese technology firms to participate in the country’s Smart City and Digital Economy initiatives, while calling for greater collaboration in science, innovation, and health systems strengthening.
In line with TICAD 9’s priorities, promoting inclusive growth, climate resilience, and peacebuilding—Nigeria and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhanced multilateral cooperation, including advancing reforms at the United Nations and supporting global peace initiatives.
Ambassador Tuggar concluded by inviting his Japanese counterpart to visit Nigeria for follow-up consultations and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–Japan Strategic Partnership Framework to guide future engagements.
