The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, at State House, Harare, on Thursday, 13 August 2026. The presentation formally marked the commencement of Ambassador Ikurusi’s diplomatic assignment in Zimbabwe.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Ikurusi held a cordial bilateral meeting with President Mnangagwa, during which both sides reviewed the longstanding and cordial relations between Nigeria and Zimbabwe and explored opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Mnangagwa congratulated Ambassador Ikurusi on his appointment and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria. He particularly acknowledged Nigeria’s support for Zimbabwe in speaking out against the sanctions imposed on the country and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support for Zimbabwe’s successful candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He also welcomed ongoing efforts to revitalise the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ikurusi conveyed the warm greetings, best wishes and goodwill of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as those of the Government and people of Nigeria, to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and the honour of presenting his Letters of Credence.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation with Zimbabwe in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and investment, agriculture and food security, mining and solid minerals, energy, manufacturing, and information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital economy. He stressed the importance of identifying practical areas of cooperation that would deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
Ambassador Ikurusi further reiterated Nigeria’s support for African-led and African-owned solutions to the continent’s challenges and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting peace and security, democratic governance and regional integration. He also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to encourage greater cooperation in academic exchanges, culture, tourism and youth development as important avenues for strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigerians and Zimbabweans.
The Ambassador assured President Mnangagwa of his personal commitment to working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe and relevant stakeholders to further strengthen Nigeria-Zimbabwe relations and promote mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. President Mnangagwa, in turn, assured the Ambassador of his support and cooperation in the discharge of his responsibilities as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs views the presentation of the Letters of Credence as an important step towards further consolidating the historic relationship between Nigeria and Zimbabwe and remains committed to advancing bilateral cooperation within the framework of shared African interests and mutual respect.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday 14th August 2026
