The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria through investment, technology sharing and job creation across energy, manufacturing and digital technology.
South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yo-an, announced the commitment during the country’s National Day reception organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja on Friday night.
He said Korean companies working with Nigerian partners had contributed to employment, knowledge sharing and the expansion of business opportunities in both countries.
Korean Companies Support Economic Cooperation
Yo-an identified Daewoo E&C, LG, Samsung, Hyundai and Solpia among the Korean companies contributing to economic cooperation with Nigeria.
He said the Korean Embassy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) would continue promoting investment, technology transfer and local employment.
“Together, we aim to create jobs, share knowledge and expand opportunities for both countries, as well as turning potential into opportunity and opportunity into shared prosperity,” the ambassador said.
He described the partnership as reflecting the Korean principle of Hongik Ingan, which means benefiting all humanity.
Ambassador Highlights Diplomatic Relations Dating Back to 1980
The ambassador recalled that Nigeria and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1980 and had since developed their relationship through cooperation, mutual respect and exchanges between their peoples.
He praised Nigeria’s history, cultural diversity and population, particularly its young people, whom he described as a major strength of the country.
Yo-an said South Korea respected Nigeria’s development priorities and was committed to working with the country as an equal partner.
“We know we did not come with all the answers, but we came as friends and partners, ready to share, learn and grow together,” he said.
National Day Celebrates Korea’s History and Cultural Traditions
South Korea’s National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol, is celebrated annually on October 3 to commemorate the legendary founding of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, by Dangun Wanggeom in 2333 BC.
Yo-an said the traditional founding story was associated with Hongik Ingan, a principle centred on benefiting humanity, respecting individuals and contributing to the well-being of others.
He said the reception celebrated both Korea’s national heritage and the friendship and cooperation between South Korea and Nigeria.
The ambassador also expressed gratitude to countries and communities that supported Korea during difficult periods, saying international assistance had contributed to the country’s reconstruction and progress.
K-Pop, Nollywood and Afrobeats Strengthen Cultural Ties
Yo-an said relations between the two countries extended beyond business and development to include cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
He noted that Nigerian audiences had embraced Korean entertainment, including K-pop, BTS, Korean dramas, films and K-beauty.
The ambassador also praised Nigeria’s creative industries, particularly Afrobeats and Nollywood, saying the popularity of cultural products from both countries helped bring their people closer together.
He thanked the Nigerian government and public, diplomatic representatives, United Nations partners and other supporters for their contributions to bilateral relations.
Nigeria Seeks More Korean Investment in Manufacturing and Agriculture
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the National Day reception provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between the two countries and strengthen their cooperation.
The minister was represented at the event by Babagana Wakil, the ministry’s chief of protocol.
She said Nigeria recognised South Korea’s achievements in industrialisation, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure development, adding that its experience offered lessons for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the countries had maintained cooperation through high-level engagements, bilateral exchanges and collaboration on issues of common interest.
She also noted that both nations worked together on multilateral platforms to promote international peace, security and sustainable development.
Nigeria Wants Trade to Expand Beyond Oil and Gas
The foreign affairs minister said Nigeria and South Korea had maintained mutually beneficial trade and investment relations, particularly in energy, industry and technology.
She called for greater diversification of trade beyond crude oil and liquefied natural gas, including increased exports of agricultural products.
Nigeria also welcomed further Korean investment in manufacturing, automobile assembly, shipbuilding and other productive industries that could support technology transfer and employment generation.
In agriculture, the minister identified opportunities for Nigeria to benefit from South Korea’s expertise in mechanisation, rice production and agro-processing to improve productivity and strengthen food security.
Nigeria Expresses Interest in Korea’s K-Rice Belt Initiative
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s interest in exploring opportunities to participate in South Korea’s K-Rice Belt Initiative.
She also called for expanded cooperation in education, digital technology, human capacity development, scholarships, technical training, academic exchanges and research partnerships.
The minister said these areas could help equip Nigerian young people with relevant skills and expertise.
She further identified maritime security, shipbuilding, fisheries and technical capacity development as areas for stronger collaboration between the two countries.
Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission Seen as Key Cooperation Framework
The minister said Nigeria attached considerable importance to the Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission as a framework for advancing bilateral cooperation.
She also expressed appreciation for the Korean government’s support and contribution to Nigeria’s development.
The reception concluded with a performance by a 16-member demonstration team from Kukkiwon, the world headquarters of taekwondo, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
