Seoul: Nigeria is seeking stronger cooperation with South Korea on democratic governance and civil service institutions while also pursuing expanded economic ties and the revival of a suspended bilateral tax agreement, the country's top diplomat has said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that her country views South Korea's democratic progress as a model for collaboration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 4D Foreign Policy Agenda, which focuses on democracy, development, demography, and diaspora. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the Korean democratic transition as a valuable reference for African nations and expressed a desire to deepen exchanges between electoral bodies, parliaments, and civil service institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu will be among over 50 foreign ministers from African nations attending the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Seoul. The gathering aims to address joint responses to global challenges and explore avenues for mutual growth. Specifically, Nigeria seeks to enhance cooperation with South Korea in governance areas such as digital administration and anti-corruption systems. The minister mentioned potential peer learning opportunities in e-governance, anti-corruption frameworks, and civic education tailored to Nigeria's needs.
The upcoming ministerial meeting in Seoul presents an opportunity to advance practical cooperation and institutional partnerships between the two countries. "We expect candid dialogue, practical agreements, and a road map that delivers visible benefits for both Nigerian and Korean citizens," Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
Beyond governance, Nigeria is keen on strengthening economic ties with South Korea in sectors where the latter holds a comparative advantage. These sectors include digital infrastructure, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, shipbuilding, and vocational training. The minister noted the presence of South Korean firms like Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co., Samsung Electronics Co., and LG Electronics Inc. in Nigeria, emphasizing the priority to attract Korean investment and technology in line with Nigeria's economic diversification agenda.
Addressing the suspended double taxation avoidance agreement, Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged the uncertainty it creates for investors and assured that Nigerian authorities are working to conclude a revised agreement. Originally signed in 2006, the agreement was intended to foster two-way investment and trade but remains unratified by Nigeria, thus suspended.