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Says Nigeria will write its own story
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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Jeon Yoan, has said that the political ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea are growing closer.
Yoan stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja.
He recalled that in June 2024, Korea hosted the first Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, adding that in June 2026, Seoul welcomed the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
The Korean envoy further said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led Nigeria’s delegation to the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and that her message was clear: “Nigeria seeks partnership, not charity.”
While saying that Korea fully agreed, Yoan also said that the next step was the 7th session of the Korea-Nigeria Joint Commission.
“Nigeria has offered to host it here in Abuja. We value this offer, and we look forward to working on it together. We also value our friends in the National Assembly, including the Nigeria–Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group.
“In every channel, our approach is the same. Korea will be an equal partner. And we respect Nigeria’s own priorities.
“Our political ties are growing closer,” the Korean envoy said.
On the economic side, Yoan said that in 2025, the trade volume between both countries reached about $1.1 billion.
He stated that Nigeria remained one of Korea’s largest trading partners in Africa.
“But the shape of our trade must change. Today, Nigeria sells us mostly oil and gas. Korea sells mostly cars, electronics and machinery. We can do much more than that. Korean companies are not newcomers here. Daewoo E&C has built in Nigeria for more than 40 years – from NLNG Train Seven to the Indorama fertilizer plant. Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Solpia work with Nigerian partners every day, in energy, manufacturing, clean water and digital technology.
“The next chapter should be ‘Made in Nigeria.’ Local assembly. Machinery for rice farmers. Digital skills. The maritime sector. Our KOTRA office in Lagos can be a strong partner here. It helps Korean firms find their way into Nigeria, and it helps Nigerian firms find buyers in Korea. Please think of it as an open door. Let me add one new market: K-beauty. Many Nigerians already love Korean skincare and cosmetics. With so many young consumers, Nigeria can become a major new market for K-beauty in Africa. And in time, we hope to see local distribution, local jobs, and Nigerian partners in this business. Investors need one thing above all: predictability. Clear rules on foreign exchange, customs and tax. Our two countries signed a double taxation agreement in 2006. Twenty years later, it is still waiting for ratification. Moving it forward would send a strong signal to investors.
“Korea knows the road of development. In 1953, after the Korean War, our income was less than 100 dollars per person. Education, hard work and good partners changed our story. But the key word is not ‘copy.’ The key word is ‘adapt.’ Nigeria will write its own story. Korea is ready to share what we have learned. Through KOICA, about 2,000 Nigerian officials have trained in Korea. Our Smart School project with UBEC has reached 8,000 children, and trained over 300 teachers and school leaders. In September, KOICA, SMEDAN and UNDP broke ground on the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship. It will help young people turn their ideas into real businesses. With FAO, KOICA is also creating green jobs in agriculture for young Nigerians,” he added.
On people-to-people ties, the envoy said the links were growing just as fast.
“Late last month, about 350 athletes competed in the 14th Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship here in Abuja. In June, more than 400 young fans filled our K-pop Festival in Lagos. K-dramas, K-pop and Korean food are now part of daily life for many Nigerians. And in Korea, more and more young people dance to Afrobeats and watch Nollywood films. This is a two-way street. Every year, Nigerian students go to Korea on Korean Government Scholarships. They return home as lifelong friends of Korea. Nigeria’s greatest asset is its young people.
“Our shared goal is simple: more opportunities for young people, stronger local businesses, and better lives for our people,” he stated.
