The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, met with the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Shin Honda, on a courtesy visit. The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to review the state of Nigeria-Japan relations and reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, promoting trade and investment, and advancing sustainable development.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs described Japan as one of Nigeria’s valued development partners and commended the country’s achievements in industrialization, technological innovation, manufacturing, and heavy industries. He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening economic ties and attracting greater Japanese investment in key sectors of the economy. Ambassador Enikanolaiye expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support for Nigeria’s development priorities and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for stronger bilateral cooperation. He also welcomed closer collaboration between the private sectors of both countries to boost investment, technology transfer, and economic growth.
Mr. Shin Honda, in his response, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria through enhanced political consultations, increased trade and investment, and continued development cooperation. He highlighted ongoing Japanese support in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding, as well as the role of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in promoting investment and commercial relations.
He also seized the moment to inform the Minister of preparations for the Nigeria-Japan Special Policy Dialogue scheduled to hold in Abuja at the end of August 2026 during the visit of Japan’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs. He further noted that the proposed visit of Nigerian business leader, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to Japan later this year would further strengthen private sector collaboration between both countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the successful convening of the forthcoming Nigeria-Japan Special Policy Dialogue and agreed to sustain regular consultations to advance mutually beneficial cooperation. The meeting underscored the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Japan and their shared determination to further strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday, 3 July 2026
