Nigeria and South Korea have had formal diplomatic ties since February 1980.[1] Bilateral trade volume reached US$1.27 billion in 2020. By that year, Nigeria was South Korea's third-largest trading partner in Africa.[1] South Korean firms are working to build liquefied natural gas facilities in Nigeria, as well as infrastructure to transport and store crude oil.[1]
South Korea and Nigeria officially established diplomatic relations in February 1980, during the tenure of Nigerian President Shehu Shagari and South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan.[5] Prior to that, informal contacts had been maintained through trade and multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, in which Nigeria was an active participant.
Following the establishment of formal ties, South Korea opened its embassy in Lagos, which was Nigeria's capital at the time. When Nigeria moved its capital to Abuja in 1991, the South Korean Embassy also relocated accordingly. Nigeria opened its embassy in Seoul in 1987, signaling a mutual commitment to deeper diplomatic engagement.[6]
During the 1980s and 1990s, bilateral relations were relatively modest, largely centered on trade and occasional technical cooperation. However, relations began to expand significantly in the 2000s, driven by South Korea’s increasing demand for energy resources and Nigeria’s interest in industrialization and technological transfer.
In 2006, then-President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo made a state visit to South Korea, which marked a turning point in bilateral relations. Several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed during the visit, including cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and education.[7]
Since then, high-level visits have continued, including ministerial-level meetings and economic forums. In 2014, South Korea hosted the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Conference, in which Nigeria played a leading role. The following year, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with South Korean officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and trade.[8]
More recently, in 2021, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in green energy and digital technology sectors. South Korea also pledged support for Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery and health systems strengthening.[9]
These sustained engagements have transformed Nigeria–South Korea relations into a comprehensive partnership that spans diplomacy, economy, development, and culture.
Economic relations
Bilateral trade has significantly increased since the 2000s. Nigeria exports crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to South Korea, while South Korea exports automobiles, electronics, industrial machinery, and steel products to Nigeria.[10]
South Korea provides Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Nigeria through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Key areas of assistance include:
Public health
Vocational education and ICT training
Agricultural technology
E-government and digital transformation
KOICA has established training centers and supports capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian government officials and youth.[11]
Cultural and educational exchanges
Interest in Korean culture, including K-pop, film, and language, has grown among Nigerian youth. Korean cultural festivals and language programs are held annually in cities such as Abuja and Lagos.[12]
Nigeria also sends students to South Korea under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP).
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