Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and advancing sustainable development, following a high-level engagement between the Honourable 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 meeting, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, provided an opportunity for both countries to review the trajectory of Nigeria–Austria relations, exchange views on evolving global and regional challenges, and explore practical avenues for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Discussions took place against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic realignments, and security concerns affecting Europe, Africa, and the wider international community.
Welcoming the Austrian delegation, Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Austria’s long-standing friendship, noted that bilateral relations between both countries have remained cordial for over five decades. She recalled Austria’s historical diplomatic presence in Nigeria and acknowledged the contributions of former Austrian envoys in strengthening institutional and people-to-people ties, adding that cultural familiarity and mutual goodwill continue to underpin the relationship.
The Minister outlined Nigeria’s priorities for enhanced economic cooperation, identifying renewable energy, green technologies, food security, agro-processing, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and information and communications technology as key sectors for Austrian investment and expertise. She encouraged Austrian companies to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to access broader regional markets, noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are designed to attract sustainable, long-term investment.
Cultural, educational, and academic cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu highlighted existing memoranda of understanding on cultural exchange and the growing interest of Nigerian students and professionals in Austria. She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand scholarship opportunities, academic partnerships, and institutional collaboration between universities, research centres, and cultural institutions in both countries.
On security and regional stability, the Minister briefed the Austrian delegation on Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, particularly in the Sahel and West African sub-region. She outlined Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners to counter Boko Haram and related groups, rebuild post-conflict communities, support internally displaced persons, and strengthen intelligence-sharing and capacity-building frameworks, stressing that terrorism remains a global challenge requiring collective action.
Migration management was discussed as a shared concern, with Nigeria emphasising the need for orderly and humane migration pathways that address root causes such as unemployment and skills gaps. The Minister underscored Nigeria’s interest in skills development, vocational training, and structured mobility initiatives that transform migration into a tool for development rather than instability.
Responding, His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik commended the frank and constructive dialogue, reaffirming Austria’s respect for Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its strategic importance on the continent. He disclosed that Austria is developing a comprehensive Africa strategy anchored on equality, mutual respect, and measurable impact, noting that Nigeria is regarded as one of Austria’s most important partners in Africa.
According to Marschik, the emerging strategy prioritises peace and security, economic cooperation, migration and skills exchange, education, science, culture, and environmental protection, guided by African continental priorities, Africa–Europe partnership principles, and global sustainable development goals.
Multilateral cooperation and the defence of a rules-based international order formed a central theme of the engagement. The Austrian delegation expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support for Austria’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council, while reaffirming Austria’s commitment to reciprocal support for Nigeria’s future multilateral aspirations.
Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and dialogue as essential tools for managing global crises. She also shared Nigeria’s perspectives on regional challenges in West Africa, including issues of governance, regional integration, and collective security, while reaffirming Nigeria’s continued engagement to promote stability and democratic norms.
Education, capacity-building, and people-to-people exchanges were identified as additional areas of convergence, with Austria highlighting opportunities for Nigerian participation in programmes at its Diplomatic Academy. The Minister welcomed these initiatives, stressed the importance of investing in human capital and sustained professional exchanges.
Both sides concluded by reaffirming their readiness to deepen cooperation across identified priority areas, guided by mutual respect, shared values, and a results-driven approach. The engagement underscored a shared understanding that, amid global uncertainty, strong bilateral partnerships anchored in multilateral cooperation remain essential to peace, stability, and sustainable development.
