By Abuja, Nigeria
In a renewed demonstration of both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing structured cooperation under existing diplomatic frameworks, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Wednesday 18th February 2026 received in audience the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Nigeria, His Excellency Isaac Keen Parashina, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Addressing the delegation from Kenya, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the longstanding cordial relations between Abuja and Nairobi, recalling past engagements between both sides. She commended Kenya’s demonstrated zeal in deepening bilateral ties, particularly the expressed commitment to revitalizing the Nigeria–Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which has not convened in over a decade.
“The reactivation of the Joint Commission remains the most effective institutional mechanism for consolidating bilateral collaboration, reviewing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and ensuring measurable implementation outcomes.”
While acknowledging that numerous MoUs have been signed between African countries over the years, she pointed absence of structured review mechanisms as a limit to their practical impact. To this end, she advocated for a shift of focus to sectors sectors capable of delivering visible benefits to citizens in both countries.
According to an official statement signed on Thursday by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu named trade facilitation, fintech innovation, digital agriculture, livestock development, tourism, migration management, and anti-human trafficking cooperation as critical areas of mutual interest between both countries.
Responding, High Commissioner Ambassador Isaac Keen Parashina, pledged Nairobi’s strong commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria.
“Kenya’s interest in operationalizing visa reciprocity arrangements and advancing discussions within the framework of the Joint Commission to address outstanding issues and create safer, more predictable travel and business environments for citizens of both countries.”
Referencing the Kenya–Nigeria trade mission conducted in November 2025, Ambassador Parashina welcomed Nigeria’s follow-up engagement aimed at addressing logistical challenges identified during the mission.
Responding to Kenya’s call for reinvigorated collaboration, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria views Kenya as a strategic partner in advancing African solutions to African challenges. She noted that as global geopolitical alignments evolve and development financing patterns shift, African states must intensify intra-continental partnerships capable of delivering prosperity, security, and resilience without overreliance on externally conditioned assistance.
