Nigeria, Cote D’ivoire Strengthen Bilateral Relations 

Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation as part of efforts to promote peace, stability and economic integration in West Africa.

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and the Diaspora, Her Excellency Nialé Kaba, on the sidelines of the ongoing ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the longstanding cordial relations between both countries and stressed the need for stronger collaboration and regular consultations between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire as leading stakeholders in the West African sub-region.

He said Nigeria remained committed to expanding bilateral engagements across the region to foster closer cooperation and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of West Africa.

In her response, the Ivorian Foreign Minister congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed support for stronger bilateral cooperation, noting that the stability and prosperity of the region largely depend on the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.

Mrs. Kaba also recalled discussions on enhanced cooperation during her recent meeting with Nigeria’s Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa following her appointment as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General.

She emphasized the need to revive the Nigeria–Côte d’Ivoire Bi-National Commission, whose last session was held in Abidjan in 2021, to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements and explore new areas of collaboration.

Both ministers agreed to review the status of existing bilateral agreements, strengthen cooperation across key sectors, and deepen collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing regional integration, sustainable development, peace and prosperity for the benefit of their citizens and the West African sub-region.

PR/Uju Oparaji