Nigeria Pushes for Stronger Korea-Africa Cooperation on Climate, Security, Health

Nigeria has called for a new era of strategic cooperation between Africa and the Republic of Korea to address growing global challenges, including climate change, insecurity, public health threats and inequalities in the international system.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, , made the call while addressing the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, where she urged both sides to move beyond declarations and embrace practical partnerships capable of delivering lasting solutions.

Speaking during a session themed “Joint Responses to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity,” the minister said the world is facing increasingly interconnected challenges that require collective action rather than isolated responses.

She noted that climate change, food insecurity, pandemics and armed conflicts have demonstrated the extent to which nations are linked by shared vulnerabilities and common interests.

According to her, Africa and Korea have a unique opportunity to build stronger partnerships that can generate economic growth while addressing some of the most pressing global concerns.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu proposed closer collaboration in the area of climate action and energy transition, highlighting Africa’s vast renewable energy potential and critical mineral resources needed for the global green economy.

She said Africa possesses some of the world’s richest solar resources and significant reserves of minerals essential for clean energy technologies, while Korea has established itself as a global leader in green innovation and advanced technology.

The minister urged both regions to work together on renewable energy projects, battery production and other green industrial initiatives capable of creating jobs and supporting sustainable development.

On peace and security, she warned that terrorism, piracy, violent extremism and political instability in parts of Africa continue to pose threats not only to the continent but also to global stability.

She called for enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, maritime security, technology deployment and capacity building, while commending Korea’s contributions to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

The foreign affairs minister also stressed the importance of strengthening global health security, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems and supply chains across the world.

She advocated greater collaboration in vaccine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, arguing that future health crises should be met with coordinated international responses.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further renewed calls for reforms of major international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to ensure greater representation for Africa in global decision-making processes.

She said a more inclusive and representative international system would be better positioned to address contemporary challenges and promote equitable development.

Drawing inspiration from South Korea’s rapid transformation from a war-ravaged nation into one of the world’s leading economies, the minister said Africa remains determined to achieve similar progress through innovation, investment and strategic partnerships.

She emphasized that Nigeria’s engagement with Korea is based on mutual benefit and shared interests rather than dependence on aid.

The minister urged both sides to seize the opportunity presented by the Korea-Africa partnership to build stronger economies, enhance resilience and contribute to a more secure and prosperous world.

She concluded by calling for deeper solidarity between Africa and Korea, saying meaningful cooperation would enable both regions to confront global challenges more effectively and create opportunities for future generations.