Korea To Deepen Ties With Nigeria Through Youth, Culture, Manufacturing

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jeong Yo-an, disclosed this during a press briefing at his residence, where he outlined plans to expand cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that bilateral trade reached approximately $1.1 billion last year but remained largely concentrated in Nigeria’s oil and gas exports and Korean vehicles, electronics and machinery. He identified manufacturing, agriculture, digital technology and maritime services as areas with significant potential for growth.

The Ambassador listed local assembly, agricultural machinery and digital skills development among the opportunities for Korean investment, citing the presence of companies such as Daewoo E&C, Samsung, LG and Hyundai in Nigeria.

He also described the beauty and cosmetics industry as an emerging area of cooperation, noting that growing Nigerian interest in Korean skincare products could create opportunities for investment and job creation. Nigerian buyers are expected to engage Korean businesses at the Korean pavilion during Beauty West Africa on November 13.

On the investment climate, Yo-an called for predictable policies on foreign exchange, customs and taxation. He also urged progress on the double taxation agreement signed by both countries in 2006, which is yet to be ratified.

In technology and education, he highlighted the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s Smart Education Project, the Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre established in Abuja in 2025 and the Global Korea Scholarship programme, which provides opportunities for Nigerian students to study in South Korea.

Approximately 10 Nigerians are selected annually for the scholarship, while KOICA also provides training and fellowship opportunities for Nigerian officials in information technology, public administration and health.

The Ambassador further highlighted the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with KOICA, SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurship through local ownership, skills transfer, mentorship and access to financing and private-sector networks.

On cultural relations, he disclosed that the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria had engaged more than 300,000 people through its activities. The 2026 Korean Film Festival attracted about 1,000 participants, while K-pop, Korean dramas, food and cosmetics continue to gain popularity among Nigerians.

Plans are also underway to extend cultural activities beyond Abuja, encourage joint film and music productions, and create exchange opportunities for young creatives.

Yo-an pledged to facilitate international media opportunities for Nigerian journalists, including participation in the World Journalists Conference and familiarisation visits to South Korea.

Beyond these initiatives, South Korea is supporting Nigeria through development programmes in agriculture, digital governance, education and youth employment, including green jobs initiatives implemented with the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

The Ambassador said South Korea’s development experience demonstrated the importance of education, hard work and international partnerships, while stressing that Nigeria must pursue solutions suited to its own circumstances.

He added that both countries were preparing for the seventh session of their Joint Commission, which Nigeria has offered to host in Abuja, reaffirming Korea’s commitment to an equal partnership that respects Nigeria’s development priorities.