Nigeria, Malawi Renew Ties With Bold Moves On Democracy, Diplomacy

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy across Africa and revitalizing bilateral ties with fellow African nations.

This assurance came as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, hosted Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nancy Gladys Tembo, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the promotion of democracy remains a central pillar in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “4Ds” foreign policy strategy, which prioritizes Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. She assured the Malawian delegation of Nigeria’s readiness to support the country’s forthcoming general elections scheduled for September 2025.

“President Tinubu is deeply committed to advancing democratic governance across the continent,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. “Nigeria will stand by Malawi in this critical moment, in line with our shared values and responsibilities.”

Highlighting Malawi’s plans to open its embassy in Abuja later this year, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the move as a positive step that would mark a new chapter in Nigeria–Malawi relations. She expressed regret that two Memoranda of Understanding signed in 2012 during President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Malawi have yet to be implemented but expressed optimism that the new diplomatic mission would fast-track their activation.

“It is truly surprising that after over six decades of independence, Nigeria in 1960 and Malawi in 1964, our two nations have not fully leveraged our historical ties,” she noted. “The opening of a Malawian Embassy in Abuja will catalyze stronger political, economic, and cultural engagement between our nations.”

On technical cooperation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged Malawi to benefit from Nigeria’s Technical Aids Corps Programme, which deploys trained professionals in education, healthcare, and other critical sectors to African and Caribbean countries. She noted that countries such as Namibia were already benefitting from the initiative and urged Malawi to tap into it to address its shortage of trained teachers.

Responding, Hon. Nancy Tembo expressed gratitude for the warm reception and disclosed that her visit was inspired by the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings held in Abuja. She emphasized Malawi’s determination to deepen ties with Nigeria and acknowledged the strong presence of Nigerian businesses in her country.

“We’ve realized the vast potential in Nigeria–Malawi relations and are eager to open a new chapter,” Tembo said. “Our country is rich in minerals, and we welcome Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in our growing mining sector.”

Tembo further praised the informal but impactful trade links already existing between citizens of both countries, calling for more structured economic cooperation. She invited Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu to visit Malawi to continue fostering diplomatic and economic collaboration.

The Malawian delegation included the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mwayiwawo Polepole, and the Director of Africa, Francis Mphatso Mponda.

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By Folake Sokoya