By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has congratulated Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on her historic election victory, describing her emergence as a profound testament to her political experience and contribution to governance in Japan.
In a congratulatory letter personally signed by the President, he commended Takaichi’s leadership and political achievement, noting that her election as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and subsequently as Prime Minister demonstrates the confidence of the Japanese people in her ability to steer the country’s future.
“On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as the first female Prime Minister of Japan,” the President stated in the letter.
He noted that her success represents not only a personal milestone but also a defining moment in Japan’s political history, underscoring her decades of contributions to the growth of her political party and her pivotal role in shaping national policy.
“Your victory as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and ultimately as the Prime Minister of Japan constitutes a remarkable expression of the confidence reposed in you by the good people of Japan,” President Tinubu said.
He further highlighted the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Japan, describing it as a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared development goals across sectors such as trade, technology, education, and infrastructure.
“As you assume this mandate, you can please rest assured of Nigeria’s continued goodwill and support for Japan. Nigeria and Japan have maintained a deep, productive, and strategic relationship over the years, covering several areas of bilateral cooperation,” the letter read.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, adding that he looks forward to engaging with Prime Minister Takaichi to explore new avenues of collaboration that would further advance mutual prosperity.
“I am confident that we would work together to build on the foundation that has been laid, as well as strengthen and deepen the relationship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience to explore these opportunities,” he wrote.
He expressed optimism that the cordial partnership between Nigeria and Japan would continue to flourish under Takaichi’s administration, describing her as a capable and visionary leader poised to enhance Japan’s global engagement.
“I am reassured that Nigeria-Japan relations would continue to blossom under your capable and visionary leadership. Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and best wishes for your good health and personal well-being,” President Tinubu concluded.
The letter, released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on 24 October 2025, reinforces Nigeria’s diplomatic commitment to deepening relations with key international partners, especially Japan, one of Asia’s leading economies and a long-standing ally in development cooperation.
The correspondence also reflects President Tinubu’s continued engagement with global leaders to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy agenda and position the country as a strategic partner in global trade and innovation.
Under the Nigeria-Japan partnership, both nations have collaborated on critical projects aimed at driving sustainable growth and technology transfer.
Over the years, Japanese development agencies have supported several infrastructural and humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria, including energy, transportation, and vocational capacity development.
With Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership, President Tinubu expressed optimism for deeper engagement between the two nations, focusing on shared values of innovation, mutual prosperity, and peace.
