Nigeria, Austria deepen ties on trade, renewable energy, security cooperation
Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, renewable energy and security as both countries moved to strengthen their bilateral relationship during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja.
The engagement which focused on expanding economic ties, improving security collaboration and reinforcing multilateral cooperation in response to shared global and regional challenges brought together Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu-Ojukwu, and Austria’s Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, Nikolaus Marschik, in Abuja.
Both sides reviewed the state of Nigeria Austria relations and identified practical steps to advance partnerships across key strategic sectors.
Welcoming the Austrian delegation, Odumiegwu-Ojukwu described Austria as a long-standing and trusted partner, noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries have remained cordial for more than five decades.
She recalled Austria’s historic diplomatic presence in Nigeria and praised past envoys for strengthening institutional and people-to-people ties.
The minister stressed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Austria, particularly in trade and investment.
She identified renewable energy, green technologies, food security, agro-processing, infrastructure, digital innovation and information and communications technology as priority areas for collaboration.
Odumiegwu-Ojukwu encouraged Austrian companies to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones and to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area to access wider regional markets.
She said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and diversification efforts are aimed at attracting long-term and value-driven investment. Cultural and educational cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.
The minister noted existing agreements on cultural exchange and growing interest among Nigerian students and professionals in studying and training in Austria, adding that Nigeria is open to expanding scholarships and academic partnerships.
On security, Odumiegwu-Ojukwu briefed the Austrian delegation on Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa.
She highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners to combat Boko Haram, rebuild post-conflict communities and strengthen intelligence sharing.
Furthermore, she stressed that terrorism and insecurity are global problems that require collective action and sustained international cooperation. According to her, no country can address these threats alone, making partnerships such as that between Nigeria and Austria increasingly important.
Migration management was also discussed, with the minister advocating orderly and regular migration pathways that protect human rights while addressing root causes such as unemployment and skills gaps.
She said Nigeria is interested in skills development and vocational training programmes that empower young people and promote structured mobility.
In his response, Marschik praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and described the country as one of Austria’s most important partners on the continent.
He said Austria is developing a new Africa strategy based on equality, listening and mutual learning, with Nigeria playing a central role.
The Austrian official explained that the strategy will prioritise peace and security, economic cooperation, skills-focused migration, education, culture and environmental protection.
He also reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and appreciated Nigeria’s support for Austria’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order and stronger bilateral cooperation.
They agreed that closer Nigeria Austria ties, anchored in trade, renewable energy and security cooperation, are vital for peace, stability and sustainable development in a rapidly changing global environment.
