The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, on Thursday received the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Isaac Keen Parashina, in Abuja, where both officials reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to assess ongoing cooperation and explore areas requiring renewed engagement.
High Commissioner Parashina conveyed Kenya’s appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent diplomatic support and reiterated Nairobi’s desire to expand collaboration across political, economic, security, and cultural spheres. He also highlighted concerns regarding the suspension of visa-on-arrival services, increased student visa fees, and the long dormancy of the Nigeria–Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).
He stressed that enhanced cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, education, trade, and youth development remains essential as both nations confront shared regional challenges.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed welcomed the Kenyan envoy and reaffirmed Nigeria’s recognition of Kenya as a key continental partner. He underscored the importance of revitalising existing cooperation frameworks—particularly the JCC—and pledged the Ministry’s support in fast-tracking outstanding bilateral agreements.
The Permanent Secretary assured that immigration-related issues, especially those affecting Kenyan students, are under review in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior to ensure reciprocity and improved ease of movement between both countries.
Ambassador Ahmed also outlined Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration in agriculture, livestock development, mining, manufacturing, and the digital economy. He emphasised that the two countries share a collective responsibility to address terrorism and cross-border crimes through coordinated regional approaches.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely on global governance reforms, including United Nations Security Council reform, while strengthening Africa’s collective voice in international affairs.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to enhance engagements, strengthen people-to-people ties, and advance a more robust strategic partnership between Nigeria and Kenya.
