Abuja: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing relations with Italy, announcing plans for a Bi-National Commission to consolidate six decades of diplomatic partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated this in a release by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The minister made this known against the backdrop of her meeting with the Ambassador. Roberto Mengoni, Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, during the latter’s courtesy visit to her office.
She stressed that Italy remained a strategic partner for Nigeria in Europe, with bilateral ties reinforced by high-level visits.
According to her, despite at least six decades of diplomatic ties with Italy, Nigeria does not have a bi-national commission with Italy, and she is calling for one.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “These engagements highlight the shared interests of both nations in sustainable development, food security, and economic cooperation.”
“The strategic nature of this relationship is further evidenced by ongoing diplomatic consultations that address global challenges, including climate change, irregular migration, and regional security concerns.”
She underscored the need for both countries to sustain their joint dedication to combating illegal migration, human trafficking, and transnational crime, while inviting deeper Italian engagement in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
In particular, in sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, and infrastructure, Italy is called upon to provide technical support for Nigeria’s industrialization efforts.
She also highlighted the importance of ease of mobility as a catalyst for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Also, improving the efficiency of Visa issuance and processing will not only reduce delays and frustrations for applicants but also directly support economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
The minister called for the establishment of efficient trade facilitation mechanisms that would enable Nigerian agricultural and manufactured products reach the Italian market directly, reducing transit costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing market competitiveness.
She identified migration as both a challenge and an opportunity in Nigeria-Italy relations, as the countries work to address irregular migration and facilitate legal movement.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the bilateral cooperation had surpassed repatriation agreements, voluntary return programmes, and reintegration support for Nigerian nationals returning from Italy.
According to her, the joint initiatives tackling human trafficking networks that operate between both countries focus on protecting vulnerable populations.
She mentioned that the two countries have developed programs to create economic opportunities in Nigeria, including vocational training and small-business development in high-migration regions.
“With a huge demography of young people, we are concerned about the safety of our young people. So, we are concerned about ways and means of combating irregular migration, especially as Italy is the leading destination for Nigerian migrants.
“We are looking at youth restiveness and initiatives in managing migration; looking at youth-focused initiatives that could give skills to the youths, create jobs, and keep them busy.
She appealed for help in addressing online radicalization and building capacity to counter violent extremism.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu quoted Mengoni as saying that his country looked forward to improving its bilateral relations with Nigeria, based on its policy of building stronger cooperation and business ties with Africa.
The ambassador, who arrived in Nigeria recently, expressed his determination to ensure that Italy maximizes Nigeria’s strategic position on the continent to the mutual benefit of both countries.
“We now have momentum for discussion and enhanced cooperation. We do not intend to impose anything on African countries,” the envoy assured.
