Nigeria and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on investment, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development.

The engagement took place when Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Suzuki Hideo, paid a courtesy visit to mrs Bianca Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with a delegation from the Japanese Embassy on Oct. 26.

The meeting comes as both countries mark the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and build on the successful conclusion of the 10th Nigeria-Japan Special Partnership Forum held in Abuja earlier this year.

During the meeting, both sides deliberated on the activities of Japanese companies operating in Nigeria and development programmes supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

There are currently 57 Japanese companies operating in Nigeria, reflecting the depth of economic engagement between the two countries.

Japan’s development assistance through JICA has supported various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, technical training and human capital development.

A key area of collaboration is support for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem through a $10 million startup hub project being developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem through institutional development and job creation.

The engagement underscores ongoing efforts by Nigeria and Japan to deepen economic cooperation, promote investment and expand development partnerships.

The two countries are expected to sustain their collaboration across key sectors as they seek to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic and development outcomes.