The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Government and people of Ethiopia on the celebration of the country’s National Day, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and continental cooperation.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Nigeria described Ethiopia’s National Day as a significant occasion that reflects the country’s enduring sovereignty, resilience, and contribution to African unity and development.
Nigeria praised Ethiopia for its historic role as Africa’s oldest independent nation and acknowledged its strategic importance as the host country of the headquarters of the African Union (AU).
“The Federal Government of Nigeria extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the joyous occasion of Ethiopia’s National Day,” the statement read.
The Ministry noted that Ethiopia has continued to play a key role in promoting dialogue, regional peace, multilateral diplomacy, and continental integration across Africa.
“Nigeria acknowledges Ethiopia’s pivotal contributions to the advancement of African unity, its strategic role as host of the African Union Headquarters, and appreciates its sustained commitment to promoting dialogue, regional peace, multilateral diplomacy, and continental integration,” the statement added.
According to the statement, Nigeria and Ethiopia share a longstanding relationship built on friendship, solidarity, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
“As two of Africa’s most populous and influential nations, and founding members of several continental institutions, Nigeria and Ethiopia share a unique bond of friendship, solidarity, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous continent,” the Ministry stated.
Nigeria also commended the growing economic partnership between both countries, particularly the investments of Dangote Industries in Ethiopia’s cement and fertiliser sectors, describing them as transformative.
“We commend the ongoing collaboration between our private sectors, notably the transformative investments by Dangote Industries in Ethiopia’s cement and fertilizer sectors,” the statement said.
The Federal Government expressed optimism about expanding collaboration into other strategic sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations.
“Furthermore, we look forward to finalising agreements on broader collaboration and partnerships in other key sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries,” it added.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its solidarity with Ethiopia as the country continues implementing domestic reforms and maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its firm solidarity with Ethiopia as it implements its bold domestic reforms and continues to play a stabilizing role in the Horn of Africa,” the statement noted.
The Ministry stressed that both countries remain committed to deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are confident that the strategic partnership between Abuja and Addis Ababa will continue to grow, fostering greater trade, investment, and shared prosperity under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the statement concluded.