Nigeria and the Republic of Serbia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to expand trade, attract new investments and deepen economic cooperation to unlock fresh business opportunities.
The renewed commitment was underscored on Tuesday in Abuja when the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, received the Serbian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jugoslav Vukadinović, during a courtesy visit.
Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to consolidate the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries, describing Nigeria and Serbia as trusted partners bound by decades of mutual respect, shared interests and productive cooperation.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to building strategic international partnerships capable of driving economic growth, boosting investment and promoting sustainable development.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vukadinović expressed Serbia’s readiness to facilitate the return of Serbian companies to Nigeria, noting that his country is eager to take advantage of new investment opportunities and strengthen economic engagement with Africa’s largest economy.
Describing Nigeria as Serbia’s foremost partner in Africa, the envoy traced diplomatic relations between the two countries to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, when the former Yugoslavia established close ties with the country.
He also highlighted their shared history within the Non-Aligned Movement, where Yugoslavia was a founding member while Nigeria played a leading role.
“Serbia has always supported Nigeria and considers Nigeria its number one partner in Africa. Our friendship dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation to take our relations to a much higher level,” Vukadinović said.
The ambassador recalled the significant contributions of Serbian companies to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the National Assembly Complex, the Kano State Ministerial Complex, hospitals, electrification projects in more than 60 communities, irrigation schemes, dam construction and sports facilities in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, Serbia is prepared to support the return of its businesses to Nigeria while serving as a strategic gateway for Nigerian exporters and investors seeking access to markets in Southeastern Europe.
“We are ready to bring our companies back to Nigeria. Serbia is eager to develop stronger economic relations with Nigeria and to serve as a bridge for Nigeria into Southeastern Europe,” he added.
The meeting underscored the determination of both governments to translate decades of diplomatic goodwill into stronger commercial partnerships, increased investment flows and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
