Embassy’s mission
Nigeria and Zimbabwe maintain long-standing, generally warm diplomatic relations dating back to Nigeria’s support for Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Current efforts focus on strengthening trade, economic collaboration, and security through a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), aimed at activating dormant bilateral agreements and enhancing regional integration. Key aspects of the relationship include: Diplomatic and Political Ties: Relations have been consistently maintained since the early 1980s, despite tensions during the late Robert Mugabe era regarding economic management.
Nigeria’s Embassy in Harare serves as the main hub for diplomatic engagement. Economic Collaboration: There are significant, though often informal, economic ties. Nigerian migrants in Zimbabwe are involved in retail and business, operating in sectors like motor spares, electronics, and fashion. Security and Development: The two nations share bilateral understandings on military training and regional security. Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC): Both countries are working to revive high-level cooperation to boost trade and official bilateral ties. Example On November 12, 2025, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote finalized a US$1 billion investment agreement with Zimbabwe. The partnership, aimed at bolstering industrialization and economic recovery, focuses on developing cement production, power generation, fertilizer manufacturing, and a 2,000km oil pipeline from Namibia to Bulawayo
Ambassador
Ambassador Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
A seasoned administrator, entrepreneur, and diplomat, Ambassador Ikurusi previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Peru, and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, from 2020 to 2023. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations with the four South American countries, promote economic cooperation, and deepen diplomatic engagement in areas of trade, investment, culture, and multilateral collaboration.