Nigeria and Algeria have renewed efforts to strengthen relations in trade, security, infrastructure, and regional development as both countries push for closer strategic engagement.
The renewed commitment came during a courtesy visit by the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
Ambassador Mezoued described Nigeria and Algeria as long-standing allies united by shared African values and a common interest in peace, stability, and continental development. He noted that both countries continue to maintain strong diplomatic collaboration within the African Union and the United Nations.
The envoy disclosed that the Third Meeting of the Steering Committee on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project will hold on June 3 and 4, with ministers from Nigeria, Algeria, and Niger expected to attend.
He also revealed that Air Algeria is considering extending its operations to Lagos following the launch of the Algiers-Abuja route in April 2025.
On education and human capital development, Mezoued said Algeria increased scholarship opportunities for Nigerians, with more than 130 students benefiting between 2025 and 2026 in higher education, vocational, and technical training programmes.
He further announced that an Algerian Navy delegation will participate in activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration in Lagos from June 1 to 4.
The ambassador also stressed the need to convene the next session of the Nigeria-Algeria High Bilateral Cooperation Commission in Algeria later this year, while calling for the revitalisation of the Political Consultation Mechanism at the Permanent Secretary level to strengthen policy coordination between both countries.
Responding, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with Algeria and commended the North African nation’s support in key areas, including education, peace and security, and infrastructure development.
The minister also highlighted the importance of expanding intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Both countries agreed to fast-track the implementation of existing agreements ahead of the forthcoming Bi-National Cooperation Commission, while the minister also commended Algeria’s scholarship initiatives and the Nigeria-Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group established in March 2025.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
