Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to translate their longstanding partnership into concrete economic and developmental gains.
The commitment followed the successful conclusion of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum (NJSPF), held in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, the forum provided an opportunity for both countries to review bilateral relations, address emerging issues and identify practical areas for enhanced cooperation.
The forum, established in 2001 as a platform for regular bilateral consultations, was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and Japan’s Assistant Minister and Director-General of the African Affairs Department, Ms. Misako Takahashi.
At the meeting, Nigeria emphasised the need to move beyond diplomatic goodwill towards tangible outcomes in investment, industrialisation, technology transfer, innovation, job creation and youth empowerment.
A major proposal by Nigeria was the establishment of a Nigeria-Japan Industrial and Investment Hub, aimed at strengthening industrial partnerships, attracting investment and improving access to the Nigerian market and the wider African market.
The two countries identified renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, digital technology, artificial intelligence and skills development as priority areas for expanded cooperation.
Nigeria also welcomed Japanese expertise and investment in the critical minerals value chain, while Japan expressed interest in resilient energy systems, strengthening mineral supply chains and expanding the presence of Japanese companies in Nigeria.
The forum reviewed development cooperation under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in renewable energy, primary healthcare, infrastructure, urban development and waste management.
Both sides acknowledged the need to resolve administrative and implementation challenges affecting JICA-supported projects to ensure that approved programmes are delivered efficiently and achieve their intended development impact.
The countries also agreed on the importance of investing in their young populations through technical and vocational education, scholarships, research, innovation, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, sports, culture and the creative industries.
They further welcomed increased people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in the creative economy, including film, music, animation and digital content, recognising the sectors’ potential to promote cultural understanding and create employment opportunities for young people.
On international and regional issues, Nigeria and Japan exchanged views on violent extremism, developments in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in promoting regional peace and stability.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and continued cooperation on United Nations reforms and international candidatures, including their respective bids for seats on the UN Security Council.
Consular and migration issues were also discussed, with emphasis on visa facilitation to support business, official, educational and people-to-people exchanges while maintaining appropriate immigration procedures.
Both sides additionally stressed the importance of stronger cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
In their concluding remarks, the delegations agreed that the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum should usher in a renewed phase of bilateral relations anchored on greater economic engagement, stronger institutional cooperation and the translation of agreed priorities into concrete actions, defined responsibilities and measurable results.
Nigeria expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their longstanding partnership and contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, while reaffirming its readiness to work closely with Japan to advance shared interests and promote peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.
