By Ochiaka Ugwu
Nigerian government has strongly appreciated the Republic of Korea for its support and contribution to the growth and development of the country through its flagship capacity-building initiatives under the Korea Foundation (KF) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Speaking at the 2026 Korean National Day Reception held in Abuja Friday, Nigerian Foreign Minister, Binca Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that many Nigerians had and continued to benefit from Korea’s practical initiatives over time, noting that Nigerian government welcomes further collaboration with Korea that will equip Nigerian youths with relevant skills and expertise.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu represented by Amb. Babagana Wakil while thanking Korean Ambassador to Nigeria for hosting the reception, said the event presented a valuable opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two countries and to further strengthen their cordial bilateral relations.
She said that since establishing relations in 1980, both countries have maintained cordial relations through high-level exchanges, mutual cooperation and collaboration on issues of common interest.
She said that Nigeria recognizes Korea’s remarkable achievements in industrialization, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure development, which offered valuable lessons for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
She reminded that both countries have continued to collaborate at multilateral platforms, particularly the United Nations, in promoting international peace, security and sustainable development, with a shared commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
She stated that both countries have maintained mutually beneficial relations, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors, with a considerable potential to expand trade beyond crude oil and liquefied natural gas by promoting Nigerian non-oil exports, including agricultural produce, processed goods and solid minerals. She stated Nigeria’s willingness to welcome increased Korean investment in manufacturing, automotive assembling, shipbuilding and other productive sectors that can promote technology transfer and employment generation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu informed of Nigeria’s interest in benefiting from Korea’s expertise in mechanization, improved rice production and agro-processing to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity.
She expressed Nigeria’s readiness in exploring opportunities to participate in Korea’s K-Rice Belt initiative, stating that both countries have opportunities to deepen cooperation in education, digital technology and human capacity development through scholarships, technical aids training, academic exchanges and research partnerships.
She however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its friendship with Korea and to continue exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, technology, agriculture, education and maritime security.
Speaking earlier, Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yoan said the event was not only to celebrate Korea’s National Day, but also the friendship and cooperation that bring the two nations together.
Jeong said that Nigeria, Korea friendship has grown through cooperation, mutual respect, and people-to-people exchanges.
He emphasized that Nigeria, Korea partnership had delivered tangible outcomes saying that KOICA, SMEDAN, and UNDP broke ground on the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship.
He said the Centre aimed to support hundreds of young entrepreneurs and start-ups to help turn promising ideas into successful businesses.
While revealing that their Smart School project with UBEC had already reached 8000 children, trained more than three hundred teachers and school leaders, Jeong highlighted that KOICA and FAO were also working together to create green jobs for young people in agriculture.
He said that about 2000 Nigerian officials have received training in Korea through KOICA programmes.
The event was attended by Nigerian senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps. The Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team from Korea were on hand to thrill the audience with wonderful Taekwondo performances accompanied with acrobatic displays, which were met with resounding applause and admiration from the audience.
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