The Japanese government has pledged $3 million in assistance to Nigeria to help combat the ongoing cholera epidemic, Ambassador-Designate Suzuki Hideo announced on Thursday.
Speaking at a reception in Abuja to mark Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday, Hideo revealed that the aid comes from a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.
Japan has remained a strong partner in Nigeria’s humanitarian and development efforts. Following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, the country provided an emergency loan of $108 million to Nigeria. Additionally, a $5.4 million grant was issued last year to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural and healthcare sectors.
The Japanese government has also collaborated with international organizations to support Nigeria’s stability. In 2023, it allocated $2 million in emergency aid to assist peace efforts in Northeast Nigeria and bolster disaster prevention initiatives using Japanese expertise.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Hideo noted that Japan and Nigeria’s diplomatic ties have strengthened over the years, dating back to 1960—the year of both Nigeria’s independence and Emperor Naruhito’s birth.
He highlighted Japan’s growing economic engagement in Nigeria, citing the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, where a record 40 Japanese companies participated. Despite business challenges, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects, praising projects like the Dangote Refinery for showcasing groundbreaking vision and advanced technology.
Hideo also emphasized the importance of Japan-Nigeria and broader Japan-Africa relations in 2025, particularly ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in August. He expressed hope for high-level participation from Nigeria’s government at the event.
