Abuja: The Japanese government has pledged a $3 million assistance package to Nigeria to aid in combating the cholera epidemic affecting parts of the country. Mr. Suzuki Hideo, the Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, made this announcement during the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the assistance is financed by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year. Japan has been a consistent partner in providing humanitarian and developmental support to Nigeria. Following a visit by Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of $108 million to support Nigeria. Additionally, a grant of $5.4 million was allocated to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.
Japan’s government has actively collaborated with international organizations to assist Nigeria in various initiatives. In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated $2 million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast Nigeria and to bolster disaster prevention efforts utilizing Japanese expertise.
The envoy highlighted the historic ties between the two nations, noting that the Emperor’s birth in 1960 coincided with Nigeria’s independence, marking the beginning of a deepening diplomatic relationship. He also noted the success of the Lagos international trade fair in November 2024, organized by Japan’s external trade organization (JETRO), where a record of 40 companies participated at the Japan Pavilion, demonstrating Japanese companies’ high expectations for the Nigerian market.
Japanese companies in Nigeria are encountering business challenges, but the envoy expressed hope for improvements under Nigeria’s leadership. He shared his optimism for Nigeria’s economic future, citing his visit to the globally recognized Dangote refinery as an example of Nigeria’s potential for future development.
Looking ahead, 2025 will be a significant year for Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations, with the anticipation of TICAD 9 in Yokohama. Hideo expressed his eagerness for high-level participation from the Nigerian government at TICAD 9 in August 2025.