The governments of Seychelles and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following high-level discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across diplomacy, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The renewed engagement took place on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Barry Faure, held talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora – Republic of Seychelles, during the meeting, Minister Faure reaffirmed the strong bond between the two African Union member states, issuing a warm reassurance that Nigerian citizens remain “always welcome” to visit the Seychelles.
This statement underscores the Seychelles’ commitment to maintaining an open and hospitable relationship with one of the continent’s largest economies. In a move to formalize and deepen these ties, Minister Odumegwa-Ojukwu proposed elevating the current diplomatic framework to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) level. This elevation would allow both nations to address specific sectors of mutual interest through structured, high-level cooperation.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the cultural and economic exchange driven by the travel industry. Minister Odumegwa-Ojukwu reminisced on the Seychelles’ long-standing reputation as the premier destination for Nigerian weddings and honeymoons.
To restore this legacy, the two ministers agreed to:
- Identify barriers to travel and streamline processes for tourists.
- Collaborate on marketing initiatives to reposition Seychelles as the top luxury choice for Nigerian travelers.
- Encourage private sector partnerships within the hospitality and aviation industries.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to reconvene in the near future to draft a formal roadmap for this renewed partnership. Both ministers expressed optimism that this “new course” in Seychelles-Nigeria relations will serve as a model for intra-African cooperation, driving prosperity for both the Indian Ocean archipelago and the West African powerhouse. “Our relationship with Nigeria is rooted in mutual respect and shared African aspirations. We are eager to welcome our Nigerian brothers and sisters back to our shores and to build a future of robust cooperation.”
