Nigeria is set to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, following its closure in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patrick Imologhome, Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires to North Korea, announced the plans during a meeting with Aleksandr Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, on December 11. The Russian embassy issued a statement confirming the meeting, describing it as a “thorough exchange of views” on matters related to the Korean Peninsula.
Matsegora extended his support for Nigeria’s efforts, expressing “sincere wishes for the successful implementation of plans to restore the Nigerian diplomatic mission.” He also assured full assistance for the embassy’s operations, emphasizing the close cooperation and friendly relations among the diplomatic corps in North Korea.
North Korea had closed its borders in early 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19, forcing foreign diplomats and international organizations to leave. The country began reopening its borders in August 2023.
Meanwhile, in 2022, a United Nations report alleged that Nigeria intended to purchase $3.5 million worth of arms from Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, an entity linked to the North Korean government and military. Such a transaction would have violated international sanctions imposed by the UN, the European Union, and the United States, all of which prohibit arms dealings with North Korea.
