The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is set to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea, after years of closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the embassy’s suspension, diplomatic relations between the two nations continued through North Korea’s embassy in Abuja. However, allegations of attempted arms trade between the two countries, in violation of international sanctions, have been raised in recent years.
The announcement of the embassy’s reopening was made by Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Patrick Imodu Imologhome, during a meeting with Russia’s Ambassador to North Korea, Alexandr Matsegora, in Pyongyang last Wednesday. The meeting was disclosed by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang through a Facebook post last Thursday.
According to the Russian Embassy, Imologhome, who recently arrived in North Korea, expressed plans to resume operations at the Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang, which had been suspended since the onset of the pandemic. Specific details regarding the reopening were not provided, but the move signals Nigeria’s intent to reestablish its diplomatic presence in the country.
Earlier in December, Russia’s embassy in Pyongyang noted in a Telegram post that Nigeria and India were among the countries represented at an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This development further underscores Nigeria’s gradual reengagement with North Korea.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and North Korea date back to 1976. Despite United Nations sanctions, reports from a U.N. panel of experts have suggested that North Korea maintained illicit arms trade and business dealings with Nigeria during the intervening years.
North Korea had closed its borders in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing foreign diplomats and international organizations to leave the country. However, the isolated nation began reopening its borders in August 2023.
Among African nations, only Nigeria and Egypt currently maintain diplomatic presences in North Korea.
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