By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, received in audience His Excellency, Mohamed Osman Mohamed, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Nigeria, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 5, May 2026, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation.
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary warmly welcomed the Somali Envoy and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen diplomatic engagement with Somalia, noting that the interaction would further consolidate the cordial relations between the two countries.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Permanent Secretary emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s ongoing efforts toward stabilization, institutional strengthening and national development, especially the respect of the sovereignty of Somalia.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mohamed Osman Mohamed highlighted the importance of enhanced collaboration between both countries, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and institutional capacity-building.
He underscored the need for structured mechanisms to address shared security challenges, including terrorism and transnational crime, while also drawing attention to opportunities for increased cultural exchange, technology transfer, and investment.
The Somali Ambassador further briefed the Permanent Secretary on the current security situation in Somalia and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support, as well as that of the international community, in addressing threats to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, in his response, reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to share its experience in combating terrorism and insurgency, emphasizing the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. He further highlighted key areas of collaboration, including maritime security, anti-piracy initiatives, and manpower development, noting that such cooperation would contribute to regional stability and economic security.
Both parties also explored opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, mining, digital technology, and fintech, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The meeting further addressed the importance of promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration within Africa as a means of addressing irregular migration challenges.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to sustained engagement, strengthened diplomatic relations, and the pursuit of practical outcomes that would benefit the peoples of Nigeria and Somalia.
The Permanent Secretary assured the Principal Envoy of Somalia to Nigeria of the Ministry’s full support in the discharge of his duties and expressed confidence that the engagement would herald a new phase of productive bilateral relations between both countries.
