Nigeria Calls For Bi-National Commission With Italy
Nigeria, Italy Seek Broader Diplomatic and Economic Engagement
NIGERIA and Italy have signalled renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries identifying irregular migration, insecurity, and counter-terrorism as priority areas for cooperation. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Roberto Mengoni.
Despite over 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria and Italy are yet to establish a formal bi-national commission. She described the absence as a gap that should be addressed to provide a structured platform for advancing shared interests.
Strategic Partnership and Shared Priorities
The minister described Italy as one of Nigeria’s most strategic partners in Europe, pointing to sustained high-level engagements that have strengthened cooperation in sustainable development, food security, and economic growth.
According to her, ongoing diplomatic consultations between the two countries reflect a shared resolve to tackle global challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, and regional security threats.
She called for deeper Italian engagement in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, particularly in renewable energy, agribusiness, and infrastructure development, stressing that such collaboration would deliver long-term mutual benefits.
Migration, Security and Youth Concerns
Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified migration as both a challenge and an opportunity in Nigeria-Italy relations, especially given Italy’s status as a major destination for Nigerian migrants. She emphasised the need for stronger cooperation to curb irregular migration, human trafficking, and transnational crime.
The minister explained that existing bilateral arrangements include repatriation agreements, voluntary return programmes, and reintegration support for Nigerian nationals returning from Italy. She added that joint initiatives are also targeting human trafficking networks operating between both countries, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable populations.
“With a huge demography of young people, we are concerned about the safety of our youths,” she said, noting that youth unemployment and restiveness remain key drivers of irregular migration.
Trade, Mobility and Industrial Support
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also underscored the importance of improved visa processing and mobility, describing ease of movement as a catalyst for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
She further called for efficient trade facilitation mechanisms that would enable Nigerian agricultural and manufactured goods to access the Italian market directly, reducing costs and boosting competitiveness.
Italy Signals Willingness to Deepen Ties
In his remarks, Ambassador Mengoni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as central to Italy’s Africa engagement strategy.
He said Italy was keen on building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared economic interests, adding that Rome had no intention of imposing policies on African nations.
