By Gabriel Ameh
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, on Thursday, 4 December 2025, received in audience the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, His Excellency Isaac Keen Parashina, in Abuja. The meeting served as an important platform for both nations to review ongoing cooperation and address priority areas of mutual interest.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
During the engagement, High Commissioner Parashina expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding support and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening ties across political, economic, security and cultural sectors. He raised key concerns regarding the suspension of visa-on-arrival arrangements, increased student visa fees, and the prolonged inactivity of the Nigeria–Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). The Kenyan delegation also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration in defence, counter-terrorism, education, trade and youth development.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed welcomed the High Commissioner and emphasised Nigeria’s high regard for Kenya as a strategic African partner. He underscored the importance of revitalising existing bilateral frameworks, including the JCC, and pledged the Ministry’s readiness to expedite outstanding agreements. He further assured that immigration-related issues particularly those affecting students are currently under review in consultation with the Ministry of Interior to ensure reciprocity, fairness, and ease of movement.
The Permanent Secretary also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, mining, manufacturing, and the digital economy. He noted that regional security challenges such as terrorism and cross-border crimes demand coordinated action by African states.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared interest in advancing UN Security Council reform, strengthening global governance, and amplifying Africa’s collective voice in international decision-making.
The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to deepen engagements, enhance people-to-people connections, and consolidate the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Kenya.
