Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and advancing a more strategic result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership following the successful conclusion of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum (NJSPF) held in Abuja on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
Established in 2001 as a framework for regular bilateral consultations on matters of mutual interest, NJSPF provides an important platform for both countries to review the state of their relations, address emerging issues and identify practical areas for enhanced cooperation. The 10th NJSPF was co-chaired by Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Ms. Misako Takahashi, Assistant Minister and Director-General of the African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
During deliberations, Nigeria underscored the importance of translating the longstanding goodwill and cordial relations between the two countries into tangible economic and developmental outcomes, with particular emphasis on investment, industrialisation, technology transfer, innovation, job creation and youth empowerment.
In this regard, Nigeria proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-Japan Industrial and Investment Hub, to strengthen industrial partnerships and enhance access to the Nigerian market and by extension, the wider African maker. The two sides identified significant 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 critical minerals value chain, while Japan expressed interest in resilient energy, strengthening mineral supply chain and expanded presence of Japanese companies in Nigeria.
The Forum also reviewed development cooperation through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in the areas of 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, achieving their intended development impact.
Nigeria and Japan further underscored the importance of investing in their respective young populations, through technical and vocational education, scholarships, research, innovation, ICT, artificial intelligence, sports, culture and the creative industries.
Both sides welcomed enhanced people-to-people exchanges and greater collaboration in the
creative economy, including film, music, animation, digital content and other emerging creative sectors, recognising the potential of these areas in promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange and employment opportunities for young people.
On international matters, the two countries exchanged views on violent extremism; developments in West Africa and the Sahel; and the role of ECOWAS in promoting regional peace and stability. Nigeria and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism and continued cooperation on United Nations reforms and international candidatures, including respective bids of both countries for seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The Forum also considered consular and migration matters, including visa facilitation and the need to facilitate business, official, educational and people-to-people exchanges, while maintaining appropriate immigration procedures. Both sides also highlighted the importance of
enhanced cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. In their concluding remarks, both sides agreed that the 10th SPF should herald a renewed phase in bilateral relations, characterised by greater economic engagement, stronger institutional cooperation and 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 valuable contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Nigeria also reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Government of Japan to advance shared interests, deepen bilateral cooperation and contribute to the promotion of peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development at regional and global levels.
