By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with both countries seeking a more strategic, result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership.
The commitment was made at the conclusion of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum (NJSPF), held in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The forum, established in 2001 as a platform for regular bilateral consultations, provides an avenue for both countries to review their relations, address emerging issues and identify practical areas for enhanced cooperation.
The 10th NJSPF was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and Japan’s Assistant Minister and Director-General of the African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Misako Takahashi.
During the deliberations, Nigeria stressed the need to translate the longstanding cordial relations between both countries into tangible economic and developmental benefits, particularly in investment, industrialization, technology transfer, innovation, job creation and youth empowerment.
To this end, Nigeria proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-Japan Industrial and Investment Hub to strengthen industrial partnerships and improve access to the Nigerian market and the wider African market.
The two countries identified opportunities for expanded cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, digital technology, artificial intelligence and skills development.
Nigeria welcomed Japanese expertise and investment in the critical minerals value chain, while Japan expressed interest in resilient energy, strengthening mineral supply chains and expanding the presence of Japanese companies in Nigeria.
The forum also reviewed development cooperation under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in renewable energy, primary healthcare, infrastructure, urban development and waste management.
Both sides acknowledged the need to address administrative and implementation challenges affecting JICA-supported projects to ensure that approved programmes are delivered efficiently and achieve their intended development impact.
Nigeria and Japan also agreed on the importance of investing in their young populations through technical and vocational education, scholarships, research, innovation, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, sports, culture and the creative industries.
The two countries welcomed increased people-to-people exchanges and greater collaboration in the creative economy, including film, music, animation and digital content, noting the sectors’ potential to promote cultural understanding and create employment opportunities for young people.
On international and regional issues, Nigeria and Japan exchanged views on violent extremism, developments in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in promoting regional peace and stability.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and continued cooperation on United Nations reforms and international candidatures, including their respective bids for seats on the United Nations Security Council.
The forum further considered consular and migration matters, including visa facilitation and measures to ease business, official, educational and people-to-people exchanges while maintaining appropriate immigration procedures.
Nigeria and Japan also underscored the importance of stronger cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
In their concluding remarks, both sides agreed that the 10th NJSPF should usher in a renewed phase of bilateral relations characterized by greater economic engagement, stronger institutional cooperation and the translation of agreed priorities into concrete actions, clear responsibilities and measurable results.
Nigeria expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their longstanding partnership and contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.
The country also reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with Japan to advance shared interests, deepen bilateral cooperation and contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development at regional and global levels.
