Ireland Reaffirms Support for Nigeria and ECOWAS in Addressing Security Challenges

Ireland has reiterated its commitment to aiding Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in tackling security issues in West Africa.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed this after meeting with Simon Harris, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Tuggar highlighted discussions on bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as trade, education, and diplomacy. He noted that Ireland is expanding its presence in Nigeria with a new chancery in Abuja, reflecting a long-term diplomatic engagement.

“On regional and global matters, Ireland reaffirmed its support for Nigeria and ECOWAS in addressing West Africa’s security challenges,” Tuggar stated.

Education remains a critical collaboration area, given the historical connections through student exchanges and contributions from Irish educators and missionaries in Nigeria.

According to Tuggar, “Education remains a significant collaboration area, given the strong ties through student exchanges and the longstanding contributions of Irish educators and missionaries in Nigeria.”

Tuggar and Harris explored furthering this partnership, particularly in higher education and vocational training.

Ireland reaffirmed its support for Nigeria and ECOWAS in combating terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime. The meeting also touched on global diplomatic issues, including the upcoming UN vote on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Nigeria emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.