Russia receives Nigeria’s new Ambassador, pledges stronger bilateral cooperation

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Borisenko Evgenievich, has received Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Russia, Joseph Iji, in Moscow, in a diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening relations between both countries.

According to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Ms. Daria Senyushina, Communications Officer at the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, Ambassador Iji formally presented copies of his credentials during the meeting.

The discussions, she said, focused on enhancing traditionally friendly relations between Nigeria and Russia, with both sides exploring ways to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to her, the talks covered areas including political dialogue, trade, economic cooperation, scientific and technical collaboration, as well as humanitarian exchanges and other mutual interests.

Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Russia, which date back more than six decades from the era of the former Soviet Union, have remained active through continued engagement and institutional presence in both countries.

Russia maintains an embassy in Abuja and a consulate in Lagos, reflecting the long-standing nature of bilateral ties.

Over the years, both nations have sustained cooperation in key sectors such as education, energy, military relations, and trade, with expectations of further expansion under the new diplomatic leadership.