The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following a high-level meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD and His Excellency, Alberto Castellar Padilla, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria held on  Friday 24th April 2026 in Abuja.

The meeting focused on preparations for the Second Session of the Nigeria–Venezuela Joint Commission, originally scheduled for June 2026. Both parties reviewed ongoing arrangements and acknowledged emerging administrative developments in their respective countries which may affect the timing of the engagement.

In a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, Nigeria and Venezuela agreed to reschedule the Joint Commission to a more suitable date, rather than postpone it indefinitely. This decision is aimed at ensuring comprehensive preparation, effective participation, and a successful outcome for the bilateral engagement.

The Permanent Secretary butressed Nigeria’s strong diplomatic ties with Venezuela and expressed solidarity with the country’s ongoing economic and institutional reforms. He also welcomed recent positive developments in Venezuela’s economy, including the easing of sanctions on key financial institutions, noting their potential to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Both sides underscored the strategic importance of the Joint Commission as a mechanism for advancing cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, energy, mining, manufacturing, and information and communication technology.

To facilitate effective preparations, the two countries agreed to establish a joint technical committee tasked with reviewing existing agreements, updating outdated frameworks, and coordinating documentation ahead of the rescheduled meeting. A formal communication will be issued to convey the new date once consultations are concluded.

Nigeria and Venezuela reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening their longstanding partnership, promoting South-South cooperation, and addressing emerging global challenges through sustained diplomatic engagement.