By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA, August 19, 2026 — The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election for a second term, pledging to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Zambia.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the ministry, the Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner of the presidential election held on August 13, 2026, after he secured approximately 60 per cent of the votes cast.
Nigeria commended the Zambian people for participating in the electoral process and reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and tradition of constitutional governance.
The Federal Government also acknowledged the competitive nature of the election and urged all stakeholders to sustain dialogue, tolerance and national unity in the post-election period.
Nigeria said it attaches significant importance to its longstanding relationship with Zambia, describing the ties between both countries as being rooted in shared historical experiences, African solidarity, mutual respect and common interests.
As members of the African Union, Nigeria and Zambia share interests in promoting peace, security, democratic governance, regional integration and sustainable development across the continent.
The Nigerian government said it looks forward to working with Hichilema and his administration to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Nigeria also recognised Zambia’s contribution to regional peace and stability, saying it remains committed to working with Lusaka and other African partners to address the continent’s security challenges through African-led initiatives, dialogue and cooperation.
As Hichilema begins his second term, the Nigerian government wished him wisdom, strength and success in office, expressing confidence that his renewed mandate would contribute to Zambia’s peace, stability, economic development and prosperity.
Nigeria also extended its wishes for continued peace, unity, stability and sustainable development to the government and people of Zambia.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
