Nigeria, Austria Reaffirm Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Multilateral Cooperation

Nigeria, Austria Reaffirm Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Multilateral Cooperation

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting multilateral cooperation and advancing sustainable development.

This followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu-Ojukwu, and the Secretary-General of Austria’s Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, Mr Nikolaus Marschik, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Welcoming the Austrian delegation, Ambassador Odumiegwu-Ojukwu described relations between both countries as cordial and long-standing, noting that diplomatic ties have existed for more than five decades.

She said Nigeria values Austria’s friendship and constructive engagement, adding that cultural familiarity and mutual goodwill have helped strengthen people-to-people relations over the years.

The minister said Nigeria is interested in expanding economic cooperation with Austria, particularly in trade and investment. She identified renewable energy, green technology, food security, agro-processing, infrastructure development and digital innovation as priority areas.

“Nigeria is committed to expanding economic cooperation with Austria in key sectors that support sustainable growth and development,” Odumiegwu-Ojukwu said.

She also encouraged Austrian companies to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area to access regional markets.

Education and cultural exchange were also discussed. The minister noted the growing interest of Nigerians in studying and training in Austria and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen academic partnerships and scholarship programmes.

On security, Odumiegwu-Ojukwu briefed the Austrian delegation on Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, especially in West Africa and the Sahel region. She stressed that insecurity is a global challenge that requires collective action.

Migration management featured in the discussions, with Nigeria emphasising the need for orderly and regular migration, skills development and capacity-building to address the root causes of irregular migration.

In his response, Mr Marschik commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and described the country as a key partner for Austria on the continent.

“Nigeria is one of Austria’s closest and most important partners in Africa, and its perspectives are central to our engagement with the continent,” Marschik said.

He explained that Austria is developing a comprehensive Africa strategy that focuses on peace and security, economic cooperation, education, migration and environmental protection.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation and support for a rules-based international order. Austria appreciated Nigeria’s support for its candidature to the United Nations Security Council and pledged reciprocal support for Nigeria’s future aspirations.

The meeting ended with both countries agreeing to deepen cooperation across identified priority areas, noting that strong bilateral partnerships remain vital for peace, stability and sustainable development.