Nigeria and Venezuela have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as they celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties at a commemorative event in Abuja.
The two oil-producing nations, both key members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), pledged to expand cooperation beyond the energy sector, focusing on trade, agriculture, and education.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Venezuela, emphasizing their shared role in stabilizing the global oil market and promoting economic independence through platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77. “Our nations have a rich history of cooperation. It is time to expand this partnership into other sectors such as agriculture, education, and trade to ensure mutual prosperity,” Tuggar said.
Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla, reinforced the importance of the relationship, revealing that President Nicolás Maduro has Nigerian ancestry — a statement that was met with applause.
Padilla announced plans to introduce direct flights between Caracas and Abuja to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchange. He also encouraged Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s economy, particularly in agriculture and maritime trade. “This is not just about oil; it is about strengthening people-to-people ties and building a sustainable economic future together,” Padilla stated.
The celebration marked six decades since Venezuela established its first embassy in Lagos in 1965. Both nations expressed optimism about the future of their diplomatic and economic relations, with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
