Nigeria and Italy have expressed renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with emphasis on addressing irregular migration, insecurity, counter-terrorism, and expanding economic cooperation.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this in Abuja on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Roberto Mengoni.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Italy as one of Nigeria’s key strategic partners in Europe, noting that despite over six decades of diplomatic relations, both countries are yet to establish a formal Nigeria–Italy Bi-National Commission. She called for the creation of such a framework to deepen structured engagement and cooperation.
According to her, sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Italy have continued to highlight shared priorities in sustainable development, food security, climate action, and economic growth. She added that ongoing consultations reflect a mutual commitment to addressing regional and global challenges, including climate change, migration, and security threats.
The minister urged closer collaboration in combating irregular migration, human trafficking, and transnational crimes, while also calling for stronger Italian involvement in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda. She identified renewable energy, agribusiness, infrastructure development, and industrialisation as key sectors for enhanced cooperation.
She further appealed for Italy’s technical support for Nigeria’s industrial growth and emphasised the importance of improving visa processing systems to ease mobility, boost trade, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called for improved trade facilitation mechanisms to allow Nigerian agricultural and manufactured products greater access to the Italian market, reducing transit costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Describing migration as both a challenge and an opportunity, she explained that Nigeria and Italy are jointly working to curb irregular migration while expanding legal pathways. She cited cooperation on repatriation agreements, voluntary return programmes, reintegration initiatives, and efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks.
“With Nigeria’s large youth population, we are deeply concerned about the safety of our young people,” she said, adding that youth-focused initiatives targeting unemployment, skills development, and counter-radicalisation remain a priority.
Earlier, Ambassador Mengoni reaffirmed Italy’s interest in deepening relations with Nigeria, describing the country as central to Italy’s Africa cooperation strategy. He said his mission would prioritise strengthening diplomatic and business ties for mutual benefit.
“We have the momentum to engage Nigeria more deeply. Italy believes in partnership, not imposition,” Mengoni said.
By Michael Olugbode, Abuja
About the Author
