Nigeria, Venezuela Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Reschedule Joint Commission Talks By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries agreeing to reschedule the Second Session of their Joint Commission to ensure a more productive engagement.
This development followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla, held on Friday in Abuja.
The meeting, which reviewed preparations for the Joint Commission earlier slated for June 2026, highlighted the need to adjust the timeline in view of emerging administrative developments in both countries.
Rather than postponing the engagement indefinitely, both parties agreed to fix a new date that would allow for adequate preparation and full participation from relevant stakeholders.
Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong diplomatic ties with Venezuela and expressed support for the South American nation’s ongoing economic and institutional reforms. He also welcomed recent positive signals in Venezuela’s economy, particularly the easing of sanctions on key financial institutions, describing them as a boost for future cooperation.
Both sides emphasized the importance of the Joint Commission as a strategic platform for expanding collaboration in critical sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, energy, mining, manufacturing, and information and communication technology.
To ensure a seamless process ahead of the rescheduled meeting, Nigeria and Venezuela agreed to establish a joint technical committee. The committee is expected to review existing agreements, update outdated frameworks, and coordinate necessary documentation.
A formal announcement on the new date for the Joint Commission will be made after further consultations.
The renewed engagement underscores the shared resolve of both nations to deepen their longstanding partnership, promote South-South cooperation, and jointly address emerging global challenges through sustained diplomatic dialogue.
