The Federal Republic of Nigeria warmly congratulates the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Anniversary, being commemorated today, 14 August 2026.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, extends warm felicitations and best wishes to the Government and people of Pakistan on this important national occasion. Nigeria joins the people of Pakistan in celebrating the country’s rich history, national identity, resilience and progress since independence in 1947.
Nigeria attaches great importance to the longstanding and cordial relations between the two countries, which are anchored in mutual respect, shared interests, sovereign equality and common commitment to peaceful coexistence, multilateralism, and international cooperation. Nigeria recognises Pakistan as an important partner in Asia and values its constructive contributions to regional and international peace, security and development.
The two countries share broad perspectives and common interests on a range of global challenges, including terrorism and violent extremism, climate change, food and energy insecurity, economic inequality, and the imperative of creating sustainable opportunities for their young and dynamic populations.
Nigeria welcomes the prospect of deepening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly peace and security, sustainable development and economic growth, while recognising that significant opportunities exist for expanding mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology, education, healthcare and other emerging sectors.
Nigeria also encourages greater engagement between the private sectors of both countries through increased interaction among businesses, investors, chambers of commerce and professional organizations. People-to-people relations remain an important pillar of Nigeria-Pakistan friendship. In this regard, there is considerable scope for advancing cooperation in education, culture, sports, tourism and professional exchanges.
As developing countries and members of the Global South, Nigeria and Pakistan share interests in sustainable development, climate action, technology transfer, food security, financing for development and reform of international financial and multilateral institutions. Both countries also remain committed to strengthening international efforts to address terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organized crime.
Therefore, as Pakistan marks this significant milestone, Nigeria recognizes the resilience and determination of the Pakistani people and their contributions to regional and international affairs. Nigeria looks forward to further strengthening its cordial relations with Pakistan and exploring new areas of cooperation, including through enhanced interaction. Nigeria believes that stronger commercial partnerships, complemented by increased people-to-people exchanges, will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Nigeria once again extends its warm congratulations to the Government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of the 79th Independence Anniversary and wishes the country continued peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday 14th August 2026
