Russia and Nigeria have renewed their commitment to deepen economic, political and security cooperation, with both countries setting a new target to lift bilateral trade beyond the current level of less than $1 billion.
The pledge was made in Abuja on Friday as both nations marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a ceremony attended by senior government officials, diplomats and partners.
Speaking at the event, Andrey Podelyshev, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, described the anniversary as “a celebration of trust,” recalling that diplomatic ties were formally established on November 25, 1960, barely weeks after Nigeria’s independence.
He noted that the Soviet Union was one of the first nations to recognise Nigeria’s sovereignty, a gesture that laid the foundation for relations based on equality, respect for sovereignty and non-interference.
“Our relations were built from the outset with an independent and sovereign state, a partner equal among equals. Russia stood with Nigeria as a reliable and respectful partner during the most challenging years,” Podelyshev said.
The envoy highlighted historical engagements such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 2001 visit to Moscow, President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Nigeria in 2009, and former President Muhammadu Buhari’s participation in the Russia-Africa Summit. More recent exchanges include the 2023 visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Abuja and the 2024 return visit of Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, to Moscow.
Podelyshev noted that cooperation has broadened across energy, geology, education, science, agriculture and culture, stressing that tens of thousands of Nigerians have been trained in Soviet and Russian institutions, forming “a genuine bridge of human capital” between both nations.
Despite this progress, he said economic engagement remains below potential with trade still under $1 billion, and called for the revival of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. He identified agriculture, transport, extractive industries, digital technology and energy as priority growth areas.
The ambassador also underscored ongoing military and security cooperation, pointing to shared commitments to counterterrorism and regional stability. He added that Nigeria’s participation in BRICS as a partner country opens new opportunities, especially ahead of the BRICS Plus Conference on terrorism in Moscow next week.
Podelyshev further reiterated Russia’s support for reforms of the UN Security Council, advocating a stronger voice for Africa and Nigeria in global decision-making.
Representing the Nigerian government, Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applauded Russia’s longstanding support, particularly in human capital development through scholarships, professional training and technical partnerships in defence, engineering and science.
He said the relationship has matured into a diversified partnership spanning politics, defence, peacekeeping, counterterrorism, mining, energy, transportation and manufacturing. Ahmed called for greater acceleration of joint economic projects and deeper cooperation in technology transfer, space science and digital innovation.
“Educational exchanges remain one of the strongest pillars of our partnership. Cultural diplomacy, arts, sports and literature continue to strengthen people-to-people ties,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary also urged stronger involvement of the private sector, research institutions and civil society to unlock opportunities created by bilateral frameworks. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a modern strategic partnership built on mutual benefits, energy transition, global peace and respect for multilateralism.
Both nations expressed optimism that the next decades will deliver greater economic collaboration, stronger political alignment and sustained friendship between Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, and the Russian Federation.
