Nigeria and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on sustainable development, economic cooperation, and the fight against illegal migration and transnational crime.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Roberto Mengoni, paid her a courtesy visit at her office.
According to the minister, ongoing diplomatic engagements between both countries continue to underscore their shared interests in sustainable development, food security, and broader economic cooperation. She commended the existing collaboration and urged both nations to sustain their joint commitment to combating illegal migration, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime.
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Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called for deeper Italian engagement in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform agenda, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, and infrastructure development. She further appealed for Italy’s technical support in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, stressing that improved ease of mobility between both countries would serve as a catalyst for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
The minister noted that Nigeria and Italy have jointly implemented initiatives aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks operating between the two countries, with special emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations. She added that both governments have also developed programmes designed to create economic opportunities within Nigeria to help reduce migration pressures. These include vocational training schemes and small business development projects targeted at regions with high migration rates.
Earlier, Italian Ambassador Roberto Mengoni said Italy was keen on enhancing bilateral relations with Nigeria in line with its broader policy strategy of strengthening cooperation and business ties with Africa. He disclosed that although he recently arrived in Nigeria, he was committed to ensuring that Italy fully leverages Nigeria’s strategic position on the continent for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Ambassador Mengoni emphasised Italy’s interest in expanding economic partnerships and collaboration with Nigeria, noting that stronger engagement with Africa’s largest economy aligns with Italy’s long-term diplomatic and commercial objectives.
