Ethiopia-Nigeria relations

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have long-standing diplomatic relations. The formal diplomatic relations between the two countries was officially marked by opening of Embassies in each other’s of the two countries' Capitals in the 1960s.

Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Lagos in 1961 and two years later, Nigeria opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1963. Since then, both countries have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural fields. The unwavering commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism and understanding of each other’s ambitions in the Continent has been the firm foundation for the two countries' bilateral cooperation. 

The two countries have exchanged several official visits since back November 1978 when the then president of Ethiopia Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam visited Nigeria. Former Nigerian President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida visited Ethiopia in February 1992. This was followed by a return visit of former Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Nigeria in October 1996. Then the former Presidents of Nigeria, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonatan paid an official visit to Ethiopia in 2006 and in 2011 respectively. The former Prime Minister H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn also made official visit to Nigeria in 2014. Recently, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid an official visit to Ethiopia on11^th February, 2020.

During the higher official visits a number of bilateral dialogue mechanisms and agreements were put in place to foster cooperation in political, economic, scientific and technical fields by which both sides expressed their willingness to expand the relations to a new height on the basis of equality and mutual benefits. The two countries have also established a Joint Ministerial Commission to follow up the practical implementation of the cooperation agreements.

Ethiopia and Nigeria have signed more than 12 bilateral cooperation agreements in areas of political consultation, aviation, trade, investment, culture and tourism, education, agriculture, sport, control of illegal drug trafficking and others.

As the most populous Nations in Africa, the two countries collaborate on a number of issues of common concern, forming a sound basis for their relations at the bilateral, regional and global levels. Both countries aspire to see a stable and secure environment in their respective regions. They are keenly aware of the importance of working together to ensure peace and stability in the continent in general. At the global level, both countries have collaborated closely on issues ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the Campaign against Climate Change and the common fight against terrorism. Both countries have a common stand on the importance of economic integration of Africa and are fully committed for the realization of Pan-African Vision. Combating the negative impact of climate change, human trafficking, terrorism, and religious fundamentalism are areas in which the two countries shall cooperate to advance the interest of Africa at the global stage.

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