Nigeria and The Gambia have reaffirmed their long-standing bilateral relations and commitment to deeper cooperation across diplomacy, security, justice reform and capacity building, following a high-level meeting between their foreign ministers in Abuja.
The meeting, held on Monday, 15 December 2025, saw Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, received his Gambian counterpart, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, and his delegation at the ministry’s headquarters.
During the discussions, Njie conveyed warm fraternal greetings from Gambian President Adama Barrow and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s steadfast support, particularly during The Gambia’s post-2017 political transition. He noted that Nigeria’s leadership at a critical juncture in the country’s democratic journey was instrumental in stabilising the polity and sustaining peace and institutional continuity.
The Gambian minister praised the professionalism of Nigerian security personnel deployed to The Gambia, acknowledging their role in strengthening national defence capabilities and maintaining internal stability. He described Nigeria as a dependable regional partner whose commitment to peacekeeping and democratic values continues to bolster confidence within West Africa.
On justice and governance reforms, the Gambian delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to address past human rights abuses through institutional reforms and accountability mechanisms. Nigeria’s technical and moral support in advancing justice programmes, capacity development and rule-of-law initiatives was described as crucial to consolidating democratic gains.
Defence cooperation also featured prominently. Drawing on his experience as a former defence minister, Njie underscored Nigeria’s assistance in military training, professional development and logistical support, noting that Nigerian military institutions remain central to enhancing the professionalism and operational readiness of The Gambia’s armed forces.
In the diplomatic sphere, The Gambia sought Nigeria’s continued support in strengthening the capacity of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including plans to expand diplomatic training infrastructure. Both sides explored opportunities for enhanced training placements, technical cooperation and institutional partnerships.
The ministers also reviewed preparations for the next session of the Nigeria–Gambia Joint Commission, expected to hold in the first quarter of 2026. They agreed that the commission remains a vital platform for translating political goodwill into tangible outcomes across trade, defence, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Responding, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to The Gambia as a brotherly nation and valued ECOWAS partner, pledging continued support for democratic consolidation, security cooperation, institutional capacity building and regional integration.
Both ministers agreed that sustained dialogue, closer collaboration and mutual respect are essential to addressing shared regional challenges, strengthening ECOWAS and advancing peace, stability and development across West Africa.
