Nigeria, Netherlands Strengthen Partnership on Trade, Security Development

By Zainab Bakare

The Federal Government and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership.

The partnership signals a renewed commitment to closer cooperation in key economic, security, and development areas.

The development is confirmed in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The agreement followed a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, hosted the Netherlands’ Sahel Envoy, Robert Zimmerman, and his delegation for wide-ranging discussions.

The meeting highlighted the long-standing Nigeria–Netherlands relationship, dating back to 1960, and focused on priority areas including trade and investment, energy transition, agriculture, water management, youth empowerment, and migration governance.

Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, counter-terrorism, and multilateral cooperation were also key topics in the discussion.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership anchored on mutual respect, equality, and shared values.

They stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing people-to-people ties.

The meeting concluded with assurances of sustained dialogue and expanded cooperation, as both countries pledged closer collaboration in support of regional stability, inclusive growth and a rules-based international order.