# Foreign relations of Nigeria

Since independence, with Jaja Wachuku as the first Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, later called External Affairs, Nigerian foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; non-alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.

## Nigeria and the liberation of Africa

Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria quickly committed itself to improving the lives of the people of the country and harnessing the resources that remain vital to the economy of the country and her neighbours. By observing at what benefits and appropriate for the country, Nigeria became one of the founding members of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union. The Organisation for African Unity checks political stability of any African countries and encourages them to be holding regional meetings for the union. Nigeria backed the African National Congress (ANC) by taking a committed tough line with regard to the South African government and their military actions in southern Africa.Nigeria and Organisation for African Unity (OAU, now the African Union), has tremendous influence in West Africa nations and Africa on the whole. Nigeria has additionally founded regional cooperative efforts in West Africa, functioning as standard-bearer for ECOWAS and ECOMOG, economic and military organisations, respectively.
Similarly, when civil war broke out in Angola after the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Nigeria mobilised its diplomatic influence in Africa in support of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). That support helped tip the balance in their favour, which led to OAU recognition of the MPLA over the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola.
Nigeria extended diplomatic support to another cause, Sam Nujoma's Southwest Africa People's Organization in Namibia, to stall the apartheid South African-installed government there. In 1977, the new General Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime donated $20 million to the Zimbabwean movement against the apartheid government of Rhodesia. Nigeria also sent military equipment to Mozambique to help the newly independent country suppress the South African-backed Mozambican National Resistance guerrillas. Nigeria also provided some military training at the Kaduna first mechanised army division and other material support to Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe's guerrilla forces during the Zimbabwe War in 1979 against the white minority rule of Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith, which was backed by the apartheid -government of South Africa.
Due to mismanagement of its economy and technology, Nigeria announced that it was launching a nuclear programme of "unlimited scope" of its own but failed. After the Nigerian Independence in 1960, Nigeria demonstrated its seriousness in improving the economy for the people and embarked on nationalizing some multi-national companies that traded with and broke the economic/trade embargo of the apartheid South African regime, the local operations of Barclays Bank was nationalised after that bank ignored the strong protests by the Nigeria populace.
Nigeria also nationalised the British Petroleum (BP) for supplying oil to South Africa. In 1982, the Alhaji Shehu Shagari government urged the visiting Pontiff Pope John Paul II to grant audience to the leaders of Southern Africa guerrilla organisations Oliver Tambo of the ANC and Sam Nujoma of SWAPO. In December 1983, the new Major General Muhammadu Buhari regime announced that Nigeria could no longer afford an apartheid government in Africa. however, Nigeria being the foremost black nation on Earth due to its population, Nigeria has great potential and will soon grow to be a force to reckon with on the global stage.

## Nigeria and West Africa

In pursuing the goal of regional economic cooperation and development, Nigeria helped create ECOWAS, which seeks to harmonise trade and investment practices for its 16 West African member countries, ultimately achieve a full customs union, and establish a single currency. Nigeria also has taken the lead in articulating the views of developing nations on the need for modification of the existing international economic order.
Nigeria has played a central role in the ECOWAS efforts to end the civil war in Liberia and contributed the bulk of the ECOWAS peacekeeping forces sent there in 1990. Nigeria also has provided the bulk of troops for ECOMOG forces in Sierra Leone.
Nigeria has enjoyed generally good relations with its immediate neighbours. Nigeria has actively played a leading role in West Africa, with enormous military power, Nigeria has been perpetual in its aim of promoting peace and stability in Africa's most prosperous region for more than three decades.

## Nigeria and International Organisations

Nigeria is a member of the following organizations:
* African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States
* African Development Bank
* African Union
* Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South
* Commonwealth of Nations
* Economic Community of West African States
* Food and Agriculture Organization
* Group of 15
* G-19
* Group of 24
* Group of 77
* International Atomic Energy Agency
* International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
* International Chamber of Commerce
* International Civil Aviation Organization
* International Criminal Court
* International Development Association
* International Finance Corporation
* International Fund for Agricultural Development
* International Hydrographic Organization
* International Labour Organization
* International Monetary Fund
* International Maritime Organization
* International Mobile Satellite Organization
* International Olympic Committee
* International Organization for Standardization
* International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
* International Telecommunication Union
* Interpol
* Non-Aligned Movement
* Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
* Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
* Organization of Islamic Cooperation
* Permanent Court of Arbitration
* United Nations
* United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
* United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
* United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
* United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
* United Nations Industrial Development Organization
* United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission
* United Nations Institute for Training and Research
* United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
* United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
* United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina
* United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka
* United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan
* United Nations University
* Universal Postal Union
* World Confederation of Labour
* World Customs Organization
* World Federation of Trade Unions
* World Health Organization
* World Intellectual Property Organization
* World Meteorological Organization
* World Tourism Organization
* World Trade Organization
The Babangida regime joined the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC, now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), though President Obasanjo has indicated he might reconsider Nigeria's membership.comments are being made for Nigeria to establish more bilateral relations.

## Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations with:
Date :
| 1 | Australia | 1 October 1960 |
| 2 | Canada | 1 October 1960 |
| 3 | Egypt | 1 October 1960 |
| 4 | Ethiopia | 1 October 1960 |
| 5 | France | 1 October 1960 |
| 6 | Germany | 1 October 1960 |
| 7 | Ghana | 1 October 1960 |
| 8 | India | 1 October 1960 |
| 9 | Israel | 1 October 1960 |
| 10 | Japan | 1 October 1960 |
| 11 | Liberia | 1 October 1960 |
| 12 | Norway | 1 October 1960 |
| 13 | Russia | 1 October 1960 |
| 14 | Sudan | 1 October 1960 |
| 15 | Switzerland | 1 October 1960 |
| 16 | United Kingdom | 1 October 1960 |
| 17 | United States | 1 October 1960 |
| 18 | Denmark | October 1960 |
| 19 | Netherlands | October 1960 |
| 20 | Ireland | 14 November 1960 |
| 21 | Cameroon | November 1960 |
| 22 | Morocco | 1960 |
| 23 | Senegal | 1960 |
| 24 | Belgium | 4 February 1961 |
| 25 | Spain | 10 February 1961 |
| 26 | Turkey | 16 February 1961 |
| 27 | Pakistan | 22 March 1961 |
| 28 | Serbia | March 1961 |
| 29 | Sierra Leone | 27 April 1961 |
| 30 | Niger | 8 June 1961 |
| 31 | Ivory Coast | 26 July 1961 |
| 32 | Brazil | 16 August 1961 |
| 33 | Saudi Arabia | 21 August 1961 |
| 34 | Guinea | August 1961 |
| 35 | Iraq | 6 September 1961 |
| 36 | Benin | 12 September 1961 |
| 37 | Jordan | 30 September 1961 |
| 38 | Sweden | 3 October 1961 |
| 39 | Chile | 5 October 1961 |
| 40 | Czech Republic | 25 October 1961 |
| 41 | Tanzania | 6 December 1961 |
| 42 | Italy | 1961 |
| 43 | Lebanon | 11 March 1962 |
| 44 | Poland | 30 May 1962 |
| 45 | Mali | 1 August 1962 |
| 46 | Philippines | 1 August 1962 |
| 47 | Chad | 18 October 1962 |
| 48 | Thailand | 1 November 1962 |
| 49 | Austria | 21 December 1962 |
| 50 | Libya | 1962 |
| 51 | Togo | 1962 |
| 52 | Finland | 18 January 1963 |
| 53 | Argentina | 19 March 1963 |
| 54 | Uganda | 6 September 1963 |
| 55 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1963 |
| 56 | Bulgaria | 10 March 1964 |
| 57 | Hungary | 4 April 1964 |
| 58 | Kenya | 28 May 1964 |
| 59 | Uruguay | 20 February 1965 |
| 60 | Indonesia | 5 March 1965 |
| 61 | Malaysia | 5 March 1965 |
| 62 | Venezuela | 16 March 1965 |
| 63 | Gambia | 28 May 1965 |
| 64 | Syria | 30 September 1965 |
| 65 | Zambia | 1965 |
| 66 | Romania | 12 November 1966 |
| 67 | Algeria | 2 September 1968 |
| 68 | Equatorial Guinea | 25 January 1969 |
| 69 | Malawi | 29 November 1969 |
| 70 | Tunisia | 15 January 1970 |
| 71 | Singapore | 20 January 1970 |
| 72 | Myanmar | 24 January 1970 |
| 73 | Kuwait | 31 January 1970 |
| 74 | Sri Lanka | January 1970 |
| 75 | Burkina Faso | 19 February 1970 |
| 76 | Somalia | 27 February 1970 |
| 77 | Barbados | 24 April 1970 |
| 78 | Jamaica | 29 April 1970 |
| 79 | Bolivia | 18 September 1970 |
| 80 | Central African Republic | 6 October 1970 |
| 81 | Trinidad and Tobago | 6 October 1970 |
| 82 | Iceland | 3 November 1970 |
| 83 | Burundi | 6 November 1970 |
| 84 | Cyprus | 1970 |
| 85 | Greece | 1970 |
| 86 | China | 10 February 1971 |
| 87 | Madagascar | 24 June 1971 |
| 88 | Peru | 5 July 1971 |
| 89 | Mongolia | 21 September 1971 |
| 90 | Lesotho | November 1971 |
| 91 | Iran | 5 May 1972 |
| 92 | Rwanda | 10 June 1972 |
| 93 | Gabon | 18 January 1973 |
| 94 | Albania | 22 May 1973 |
| 95 | Eswatini | 13 October 1973 |
| 96 | Malta | 24 May 1974 |
| 97 | Cuba | 1 July 1974 |
| 98 | Guinea-Bissau | 1974 |
| 99 | Mozambique | 25 June 1975 |
| 100 | Costa Rica | 26 June 1975 |
| 101 | Portugal | 10 July 1975 |
| — | Holy See | 20 November 1975 |
| 102 | Nepal | 20 December 1975 |
| 103 | Luxembourg | 29 December 1975 |
| 104 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 30 December 1975 |
| 105 | Bangladesh | 3 January 1976 |
| 106 | Angola | 15 March 1976 |
| 107 | Mexico | 14 April 1976 |
| 108 | North Korea | 25 May 1976 |
| 109 | Vietnam | 25 May 1976 |
| 110 | Mauritius | 16 June 1976 |
| 111 | Mauritania | June 1976 |
| 112 | Guyana | 2 August 1976 |
| 113 | Cape Verde | 18 August 1976 |
| 114 | Seychelles | 28 January 1977 |
| 115 | Haiti | 28 January 1978 |
| 116 | Colombia | 1 January 1979 |
| 117 | Yemen | 12 May 1979 |
| 118 | Grenada | June 1979 |
| 119 | Ecuador | 10 December 1979 |
| 120 | South Korea | 22 February 1980 |
| 121 | Suriname | 3 June 1980 |
| 122 | Oman | 18 January 1981 |
| 123 | United Arab Emirates | 20 January 1982 |
| 124 | Zimbabwe | January 1982 |
| 125 | Vanuatu | 16 March 1982 |
| 126 | New Zealand | 16 April 1982 |
| 127 | Belize | 19 April 1982 |
| 128 | Papua New Guinea | August 1982 |
| 129 | Bahamas | 26 October 1982 |
| 130 | Comoros | 5 November 1982 |
| 131 | Antigua and Barbuda | 2 March 1983 |
| — | Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic | 11 November 1984 |
| 132 | Paraguay | 27 May 1988 |
| 133 | Maldives | 1 March 1989 |
| 134 | Djibouti | 12 July 1989 |
| 135 | Namibia | 22 March 1990 |
| 136 | Kazakhstan | 16 December 1991 |
| 137 | Azerbaijan | 11 March 1992 |
| 138 | Belarus | 3 August 1992 |
| 139 | Moldova | 7 August 1992 |
| 140 | Uzbekistan | 28 August 1992 |
| 141 | Estonia | 10 November 1992 |
| 142 | Brunei | 1 December 1992 |
| 143 | Ukraine | 10 December 1992 |
| 144 | Slovenia | 19 December 1992 |
| 145 | Croatia | 7 January 1993 |
| 146 | Armenia | 4 February 1993 |
| 147 | Slovakia | 1 September 1993 |
| 148 | Fiji | 1993 |
| 149 | South Africa | 21 February 1994 |
| 150 | Eritrea | 1998 |
| 151 | Laos | 10 June 1999 |
| 152 | Georgia | June 2000 |
| 153 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 13 September 2000 |
| 154 | Lithuania | 17 January 2001 |
| 155 | Panama | 12 February 2001 |
| 156 | Latvia | 30 March 2001 |
| 157 | Nicaragua | 24 April 2001 |
| 158 | Cambodia | 28 May 2001 |
| 159 | Dominican Republic | 23 July 2001 |
| 160 | Guatemala | December 2001 |
| 161 | Dominica | 2002 |
| 162 | North Macedonia | 24 April 2003 |
| 163 | Timor-Leste | 2004 |
| 164 | Qatar | 2010 |
| 165 | Liechtenstein | 28 October 2011 |
| 166 | Monaco | 6 July 2012 |
| 167 | South Sudan | 17 October 2012 |
| 168 | Afghanistan | 16 April 2013 |
| 169 | Honduras | 25 September 2013 |
| 170 | Bahrain | 9 February 2025 |
| 171 | Republic of the Congo | Unknown |
| — | State of Palestine | Unknown |
| 172 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Unknown |
| 173 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Unknown |

## Africa

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Algeria | 2 September 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1968 Algeria has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Algiers. |
| Angola | | See Angola–Nigeria relations Angolan-Nigerian relations are primarily based on their roles as oil exporting nations. Both are members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the African Union and other multilateral organizations. The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, sent a message to his Angolan counterpart, José Eduardo dos Santos, in which he manifested his interest in keeping and strengthening the excellent relations that exist between both countries, aiming at generating better benefits for the two peoples. Angola has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Luanda. |
| Benin | 12 September 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1961 when has been appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Dahomey to Nigeria Mr. Obed Pessou. Benin has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Cotonou. |
| Burkina Faso | 19 February 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 February 1970 when Ambassador of Upper Volta to Nigeria (resident in Accra) Mr. Victor Kabore, presented his credentials. Burkina Faso has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Ouagadougou. |
| Cameroon | | See Cameroon-Nigeria relations A long-standing border dispute with Cameroon over the potentially oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula was resolved by a 2002 decision by the International Court of Justice which granted Cameroon ownership of the region and the 2006 signing of the Greentree Agreement which led to the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from Bakassi in 2008 and complete administrative control being taken over by Cameroon in August 2013. Nigeria released about 150 Cameroonian prisoners of war in late 1998. Cameroon has a high commission in Abuja and a consulate-general in Calabar. Nigeria has a high commission in Yaoundé, a consulate-general in Douala and a consulate in Buea. |
| Chad | | See Chad–Nigeria relations Nigeria's 1983 economic austerity campaign produced strains with neighbouring states, including Chad. Nigeria expelled several hundred thousand foreign workers, mostly from its oil industry, which faced drastic cuts as a result of declining world oil prices. At least 30,000 of those expelled were Chadians. Despite these strains, however, Nigerians had assisted in the halting process of achieving stability in Chad, and both nations reaffirmed their intention to maintain close ties. Chad has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate in Maiduguri. Nigeria has an embassy in N'Djamena. |
| Central African Republic | 6 October 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 October 1970. Central African Republic has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Bangui. |
| Egypt | | Egypt has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Cairo. |
| Equatorial Guinea | 25 January 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 1969 Equatorial Guinea has an embassy in Abuja and consulates in Calabar and Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Malabo and a consulate in Bata. |
| Ethiopia | | Main article: Ethiopia–Nigeria relations Ethiopia has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Addis Ababa. |
| Gabon | 18 January 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1973 Gabon has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Libreville. |
| Gambia | 28 May 1965 | Gambia has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Banjul. |
| Ghana | 1 October 1960 | See Ghana–Nigeria relations Ghana set up a commission in 1959 when Nigeria was still a dependent territory. This was elevated to High Commission status on the attainment of Nigeria's independence on 1 October 1960 Ghana Nigerian relations have been both bitter and sweet. In 1969 numerous Nigerians were deported from Ghana. Relations in the 1970s were good. Ghana-Nigeria relations began on a sour note in the early period of PNDC rule. Tension rose immediately after the PNDC deposed Limann in 1981. In protest, Nigeria refused to continue much-needed oil supplies to Ghana. At the time, Ghana owed Nigeria about US$150 million for crude oil supplies and depended on Nigeria for about 90 percent of its petroleum needs. Nigeria's expulsion of more than 1 million Ghanaian immigrants in early 1983, when Ghana was facing severe drought and economic problems, and of another 300,000 in early 1985 on short notice, further strained relations between the two countries. In April 1988, a joint commission for cooperation was established between Ghana and Nigeria. A bloodless coup in August 1985 had brought Major General Ibrahim Babangida to power in Nigeria, and Rawlings took advantage of the change of administration to pay an official visit. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues focusing on peace and prosperity within West Africa, bilateral trade, and the transition to democracy in both countries. In early January 1989, Babangida reciprocated with an official visit to Ghana, which the PNDC hailed as a watershed in Ghana-Nigeria relations. Subsequent setbacks that Babangida initiated in the democratic transition process in Nigeria clearly disappointed Accra. Nonetheless, the political crisis that followed Babangida's annulment of the results of the June 1993 Nigerian presidential election and Babangida's resignation from the army and presidency two months later did not significantly alter the existing close relations between Ghana and Nigeria, two of the most important members of ECOWAS and the Commonwealth of Nations. After the takeover in November 1993 by General Sani Abacha as the new Nigerian head of state, Ghana and Nigeria continued to consult on economic, political, and security issues affecting the two countries and West Africa as a whole. Between early August 1994 when Rawlings became ECOWAS chairman and the end of the following October, the Ghanaian president visited Nigeria three times to discuss the peace process in Liberia and measures to restore democracy in that country. Nigeria and Ghana today have a close relationship, and they collaborate on various issues. Ghana and Nigeria are both republics in the Commonwealth of Nations. Ghana has a high commission in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has a high commission in Accra. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Guinea | | Guinea has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Conakry. |
| Ivory Coast | 26 July 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1961. The Ivory Coast has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Abidjan. |
| Kenya | | See Kenya–Nigeria relations Kenya has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Nairobi. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Liberia | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 when the Nigerian Government has agreed to Liberia's raising the status its consulate general in Lagos to that of an Embassy on the same date. Liberia has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Monrovia. |
| Libya | | Nigeria recalled its ambassador, Isa Aliyu Mohammed, to Libya on 18 March 2010. The recall was in responses to a suggestion by Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, that Nigeria should separate into a Muslim northern state and a Christian southern state. Gaddafi had made the suggestion in light of recent violence between the rival religions in Nigeria which had resulted in hundreds of deaths. In addition Gaddafi had praised the Partition of India, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, as the kind of model that Nigeria should follow. The Nigerian foreign ministry stated that it was recalling Mohammed for "urgent negotiations" due to the "irresponsible utterances of Colonel Gaddafi". The Nigerian National Assembly has requested that the government ask the United Nations to prohibit Gaddafi from calling for the division of Nigeria. The National Assembly also passed a motion urging the government to order an African Union investigation into whether Libya was attempting to destabilise the country through "infiltrators". Libya has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Tripoli. |
| Madagascar | 24 June 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1971 Madagascar is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria is accredited to Madagascar from its high commission in Maputo, Mozambique. |
| Malawi | 29 November 1969 | See Malawi–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1969. Malawi is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria has a high commission in Lilongwe. |
| Mali | 1 August 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1962 Mali has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Bamako. |
| Morocco | | Morocco has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Rabat. |
| Mozambique | 25 June 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1975. Mozambique is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria has a high commission in Maputo. |
| Namibia | 28 March 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 1990. Namibia has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Windhoek. |
| Niger | 8 June 1961 | See Niger–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1961 when M. Elhad Camatte Hammodon Maiga, ambassador of Niger to Nigeria presented his letters of credentials to the Governor General Azikiwe Nigeria maintains close relations with the Republic of Niger, in part because both nations share a large Hausa minority on each side of their 1500 km border. Hausa language and cultural ties are strong, but there is little interest in a pan-Hausa state. The two nations formed the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJC), established in March, 1971 with its Permanent Secretariat in Niamey, Niger. Niger has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Kano. Nigeria has an embassy in Niamey. |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 30 December 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 1975 Nigeria has an embassy in São Tomé. São Tomé and Príncipe has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Senegal | | Nigeria has an embassy in Dakar. Senegal has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Sierra Leone | 27 April 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1961 when was appointed first Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Mr A.B. Oyediran Nigeria has a high commission in Freetown. Sierra Leone has a high commission in Abuja. |
| South Africa | 21 February 1994 | See Nigeria–South Africa relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 February 1994 Nigeria has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg. South Africa has a high commission in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Sudan | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 when Nigeria have established an embassy in Khartoum. Nigeria has an embassy in Khartoum. Sudan has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Tanzania | | Nigeria has a high commission in Dar-es-Salaam. Tanzania has a high commission in Abuja. |
| Togo | | Nigeria has an embassy in Lomé. Togo has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Tunisia | 15 January 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1970 |
| Zimbabwe | | Nigeria has an embassy in Harare. Zimbabwe has an embassy in Abuja. |

## Americas

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Argentina | 15 August 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 August 1961 Argentina has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Buenos Aires. |
| Barbados | 24 April 1970 | See Barbados–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 April 1970 Nigeria is accredited to Barbados from its high commission in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Currently the Barbadian Government does not have foreign accreditation for Nigeria, however the Nigerian Government has said that it was highly desirous of Barbados establishing an embassy directly to Nigeria. In 2006 the Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel of the Nigerian state of Ogun announced that Barbadians would be given free land if they wished to move to Nigeria. Nigeria has pushed for more investment from Barbadian companies and investors and then in 2008 for the establishment of direct flights between both nations. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Belize | 19 April 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1982. Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Brazil | 16 August 1961 | See Brazil–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 August 1961 Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil focus primarily upon trade and culture, the largest country in Latin America by size, and the largest country in Africa by population are remotely bordered across from one another by the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil and Nigeria for centuries, have enjoyed a warmly friendly, and strong relationship on the bases of culture (seeing as many Afro-Brazilians trace their ancestry to Nigeria,) and commercial trade. Brazil has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Brasília. |
| Canada | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 Canada has a high commission in Abuja and a deputy high commission on Lagos. Nigeria has a high commission in Ottawa. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade about relations with Nigeria |
| Chile | 5 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 October 1961 Chile is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Nigeria is accredited to Chile from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
| Colombia | 1 January 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1979 Colombia is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Accra, Ghana. Nigeria is accredited to Colombia from its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. |
| Cuba | 1 July 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1974 Cuba has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Havana. |
| Ecuador | 10 December 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1979 Ecuador does not have an accreditation to Nigeria. Nigeria is accredited to Ecuador from its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. |
| Guyana | 27 June 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 June 1970 Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Jamaica | 29 April 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1970 Jamaica has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Kingston. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Mexico | 14 April 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 April 1976 See Mexico–Nigeria relations Mexico has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Mexico City. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 6 October 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 October 1970 when was accredited first High Commissioner of Nigeria ti Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Edwin Ogbu Nigeria has a high commission in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago has a high commission in Abuja. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| United States | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 See Nigeria–United States relations After the June 12, 1993, Nigerian presidential election was annulled, and in light of human rights abuses and the failure to embark on a meaningful democratic transition, the United States imposed numerous sanctions on Nigeria. These sanctions included the imposition of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to refuse entry into the United States of senior government officials and others who formulated, implemented, or benefited from policies impeding Nigeria's transition to democracy; suspension of all military assistance; and a ban on the sale and repair of military goods and refinery services to Nigeria. The U.S. Ambassador was recalled for consultations for four months after the execution of the Ogoni Nine on November 10, 1995. After a period of increasingly strained relations, the death of General Abacha in June 1998 and his replacement by General Abubakar opened a new phase of improved bilateral relations. As the transition to democracy progressed, the removal of visa restrictions, increased high-level visits of U.S. officials, discussions of future assistance, and the granting of a Vital National Interest Certification on counter-narcotics, effective in March 1999, paved the way for re-establishment of closer ties between the United States and Nigeria, as a key partner in the region and the continent. Since the inauguration of the democratically elected Obasanjo government, the bilateral relationship has continued to improve, and cooperation on many important foreign policy goals, such as regional peacekeeping, has been good. The government has lent strong diplomatic support to the U.S. Government counter-terrorism efforts in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Government of Nigeria, in its official statements, has both condemned the terrorist attacks as well as supported military action against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Nigeria also has played a leading role in forging an anti-terrorism consensus among states in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a member of the International Criminal Court Nigeria signed a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US military (as covered under Article 98). A comprehensive passage is updated. Nigeria has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulates-general in Atlanta and New York City. United States has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Both countries were former colonies of Great Britain |
| Uruguay | 20 February 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1965 Nigeria is accredited to Uruguay from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Uruguay is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. |
| Venezuela | 16 March 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 March 1965 Nigeria has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Abuja. |

## Asia

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Armenia | 4 February 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 February 1993 Armenia does not have an accreditation to Nigeria. Nigeria is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Tehran, Iran. |
| Azerbaijan | 11 March 1992 | See Azerbaijan–Nigeria relations Nigeria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on March 11, 1992. Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries at that date Nigeria is accredited to Azerbaijan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran. |
| Bangladesh | 3 January 1976 | See Bangladesh–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 January 1976. Both nations are members of the Commonwealth, the OIC and the Developing 8 Countries, and are identified as Next Eleven economies. Bangladesh has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Dhaka. |
| China | 10 February 1971 | See China–Nigeria relations Nigeria and the People's Republic of China established formal diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. Relations between the two nations grew closer as a result of the international isolation and Western condemnation of Nigeria's military regimes (1970s-1998). Nigeria has since become an important source of oil and petroleum for China's rapidly growing economy and Nigeria is looking to China for help in achieving high economic growth; China has provided extensive economic, military and political support. In 2004 and again in 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao made state visits to Nigeria and addressed a joint session of the National Assembly of Nigeria. Both nations signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a strategic partnership. China has supported Nigeria's bid for a seat in the U.N. Security Council. In July 2019, UN ambassadors of 37 countries, including Nigeria, have signed a joint letter to the UNHRC defending China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang region. China has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Beijing and consulates-general in Hong Kong and Shanghai. |
| India | | See India–Nigeria relations The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have considerably expanded in recent years with both nations building strategic and commercial ties. Nigeria supplies 20% of India's crude oil needs and is India's largest trading partner in Africa. India has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in New Delhi. |
| Indonesia | 5 March 1965 | See Indonesia–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 March 1965 Indonesia has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Jakarta. |
| Iran | 5 May 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1972 Iran has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Tehran. |
| Israel | 1 October 1960 | See Israel–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations with Nigerian independence, Israel's consulate-general became an embassy on 1 October 1960. Between 1973 and 1992, diplomatic relations were severed. Since September 1992, bilateral relations are better. Israel has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Tel Aviv. |
| Japan | | See Japan-Nigeria relations Japan has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Tokyo. |
| Lebanon | 8 January 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1961, when Lebanese Consulate in Lagos was raised to Embassy level Lebanon has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Beirut. |
| North Korea | 1976 | See Nigeria–North Korea relations Nigeria has an embassy in Pyongyang which closed in 2021. North Korea has an embassy in Abuja |
| Malaysia | | See Malaysia–Nigeria relations Malaysia has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur. |
| Pakistan | 22 March 1961 | See Nigeria–Pakistan relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1961 Defence attachés from Pakistan and Russia visit the communications tent at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Abuja, Nigeria, on July 21, 2008, during Africa Endeavour 2008. The two states have maintained a close relationship, a relationship which is described by the Nigerian Defence Minister as "friendly" and like a "family tie" Nigeria has a high commission in Islamabad. Pakistan has a high commission in Abuja. |
| Philippines | 1 August 1962 | See Nigeria–Philippines relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1962 Nigeria has an embassy in Manila. Philippines has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Qatar | | Nigeria has an embassy in Doha. Qatar has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Saudi Arabia | | Nigeria has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate-general in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Abuja. |
| South Korea | 22 January 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 January 1980 Visits from the Republic of Korea to Nigeria: 1982 August President Chun Doo-hwan 1994 May Special Envoy of the President Roh Young-chan 1999 May Special Envoy of the President Choi Kwang-soo 2002 September Minister of Construction and Transportation Lim In-taek as a Special Envoy of the President 2006 March President Roh Moo-hyun 2007 May Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Ho-young 2007 July Minister of Construction and Transportation Lee Yong-seob 2007 December 2 Vice Minister of Commerce Industry and Energy 2009 May CEO of Korea National Oil Cooperation 2010 September Former Prime Minister 2011 May Special Envoy of the President. Nigeria has an embassy in Seoul. South Korea has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Turkey | 16 February 1961 | See Nigeria–Turkey relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 February 1961 when Turkey Consulate General was upgraded to Embassy level with Mr. Özer Fuat Tevs as Chargé d'Affaires. Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Abuja. Trade volume between the two countries was US$726 million in 2019. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. |
| United Arab Emirates | 20 January 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 January 1982 Nigeria has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Vietnam | 25 May 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 May 1976 Nigeria has an embassy in Hanoi. Vietnam has an embassy in Abuja. |

## Europe

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Austria | 21 December 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 December 1962 when first Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria took up his post and Austria opened its embassy in Lagos. Austria has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Vienna. |
| Belgium | 4 February 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 February 1961 Belgium has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Brussels. |
| Bulgaria | | Bulgaria has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria is accredited to Bulgaria from its embassy in Bucharest, Romania. |
| Czech Republic | | Czech Republic has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Prague. |
| Finland | | Finland has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. |
| France | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960(Nigeria broken diplomatic relations with France 5 January 1961 - 26 October 1965) France has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Paris. |
| Germany | 1 October 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 See Germany-Nigeria relations Germany has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Berlin and a consulate-general in Frankfurt. |
| Greece | | See Greece-Nigeria relations Greece established a diplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1970. Trade between the two countries is imbalanced, with imports from Greece to Nigeria exceeding exports. Greek-owned tankers have an important role in shipping Nigerian oil and natural gas, its main exports. Recently a Greek tanker was involved a dispute over crude oil smuggling. There is a small Greek business community in Lagos. Greece has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Athens. |
| Hungary | | Hungary has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Budapest. |
| Ireland | | Ireland has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Dublin. |
| Italy | | Italy has an embassy in Nigeria and a consulate in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Rome. |
| Netherlands | | Netherlands has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in The Hague. |
| Poland | 30 May 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 May 1962 See Nigeria–Poland relations Nigeria has an embassy in Warsaw. Poland has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Portugal | 10 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1975 Nigeria has an embassy in Lisbon. Portugal has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Romania | | Nigeria has an embassy in Bucharest. Romania has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Russia | | See Nigeria–Russia relations Nigeria has an embassy in Moscow. Russia has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos. |
| Spain | 10 February 1961 | See Nigeria–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1961 Nigeria has an embassy in Madrid. Spain has an embassy in Abuja. |
| Sweden | 3 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1961 Nigeria has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Abuja. |
| United Kingdom | 1 October 1960 | See Foreign relations of the United Kingdom Nigeria established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960. Nigeria maintains a high commission in London. The United Kingdom is accredited to Nigeria through its high commission in Abuja, and a deputy high commission in Lagos. The UK governed Nigeria from 1862 to 1960, when Nigeria achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Development Partnership, a Double Taxation Agreement, an Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, an Investment Agreement, and a Security and Defence Partnership. |

## Oceania

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Australia | | Australia has a high commission in Abuja. Nigeria has a high commission in Canberra. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| New Zealand | 16 April 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 April 1982 when the first Nigerian High Commissioner in Canberra, Mr. Edward Sanu, presented his credentials to the Governor General of New Zealand New Zealand is accredited to Nigeria from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria is accredited to New Zealand from its high commission in Canberra, Australia. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |

## International disputes

Delimitation of international boundaries in the vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in the past, has been completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Cameroon over land and maritime boundaries around the Bakasi Peninsula is currently before the International Court of Justice; maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed jurisdiction over oil-rich areas in the Gulf of Guinea.

## Nigeria and the Commonwealth of Nations

The Federation of Nigeria became independent from the United Kingdom in 1960 with Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Nigeria. Nigeria became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations in 1963, when the Governor-General of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of Nigeria.
Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations from 1995 until 1999, when its full membership was restored.