By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and Mauritania have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and security.
The renewed commitment followed the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mauritania, Zayyad Abdussalam, to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani on October 20, 2026.
The ceremony formally accredited Abdussalam as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, although he will reside in Dakar, Senegal.
According to a statement issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, October 21, the ambassador conveyed the goodwill and greetings of President Bola Tinubu to President Ghazouani, as well as to the government and people of Mauritania.
Abdussalam reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two West African countries and promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
TRADE, INVESTMENT AND SECURITY IN FOCUS
During his meeting with President Ghazouani, the Nigerian ambassador expressed his determination to work with the Mauritanian government to consolidate existing partnerships and explore new areas of bilateral cooperation.
The proposed areas of engagement include trade, investment, energy and security, alongside other political, economic and social interests shared by both countries.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic engagement and identifying opportunities that could deliver practical benefits to Nigerians and Mauritanians.
Abdussalam also pledged to build on existing areas of cooperation while pursuing new partnerships capable of advancing the interests of both nations.
STRENGTHENING WEST AFRICAN PARTNERSHIPS
Nigeria and Mauritania maintain diplomatic relations within a region where economic cooperation, security coordination and cross-border partnerships remain important to national and regional development.
The latest diplomatic engagement provides an opportunity for both countries to reinforce their relationship and explore ways to translate existing commitments into tangible outcomes.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not disclose specific agreements, investment commitments or new initiatives arising from the ceremony.
The presentation of credentials marks the formal beginning of Ambassador Abdussalam’s diplomatic assignment in Mauritania and signals Nigeria’s continued engagement with the country.
The two governments have expressed a shared commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening the longstanding friendship between their peoples.
The outcome of future engagements will determine how the renewed diplomatic commitment translates into practical gains in trade, investment, energy and security.
Source: Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Date: October 21, 2026.
