Nigeria and Cyprus have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Israel with concurrent accreditation to Cyprus, Ambassador Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Friday, formally accrediting Ambassador Ufochukwu as Nigeria’s envoy to Cyprus and marking the commencement of her diplomatic duties in the Mediterranean nation.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Ufochukwu conveyed the goodwill message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Nikos Christodoulides and pledged to work towards strengthening relations between both countries during her tenure.
In his remarks, President Christodoulides welcomed the Nigerian envoy and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Cyprus and Nigeria.
He said both countries share common historical experiences, principles and enduring people-to-people ties, while acknowledging Nigeria’s role in promoting dialogue, cooperation, integration and stability in West Africa and across the African continent.
The Cypriot leader also expressed his government’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria to expand cooperation in key areas, including trade, investment, education and political dialogue, while addressing issues of mutual concern at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The presentation of the credentials formally authorises Ambassador Ufochukwu to represent Nigeria in Cyprus and serves as a key diplomatic step in advancing relations between the two countries.
The development comes as both nations seek to broaden cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy, with a focus on economic engagement, educational partnerships and investment opportunities.
Officials say the renewed engagement is expected to create additional opportunities for businesses, students and professionals from both countries, while encouraging stronger economic ties.
The ceremony was attended by senior Cypriot government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
Following her accreditation, Ambassador Ufochukwu is expected to engage with government officials, business stakeholders and members of the Nigerian community in Cyprus as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The presentation of her credentials marks a new phase in Nigeria-Cyprus relations, with both countries expressing commitment to closer collaboration based on shared interests and mutual respect.
