Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki
Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed their bilateral relations, with the two countries exploring areas of cooperation in investment, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this after receiving Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Suzuki Hideo, who paid her a courtesy visit with a delegation from the Japanese Embassy.
She said this year marked the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Japan, while the successful conclusion of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum in Abuja further strengthened bilateral cooperation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that 57 Japanese companies were operating in Nigeria, adding that discussions with the ambassador focused extensively on programmes being implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the country.
She said Japan had sustained its development assistance to Nigeria through JICA, supporting key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, technical training and human capital development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need to implement the outcomes of the 10th Nigeria–Japan Special Partnership Forum, held in Abuja on August 27, 2026, through concrete programmes, investment commitments and regular consultations between both countries’ foreign ministries
outcomes,” the minister said.
A key proposal was the establishment of a Nigeria–Japan Industrial and Investment Hub to facilitate business partnerships, technology transfer, industrial growth and access to the wider African market. The minister requested the Japanese Embassy’s assistance in developing a practical roadmap for the initiative.
On consular affairs, Nigeria called for continued dialogue on visa-related challenges and practical measures to facilitate legitimate travel for business people, students, researchers, government officials and tourists.
Also, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo said his country was desirous of deepening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, describing it as a strategic African giant.
He assured that visa-related issues would be handled expeditiously.
