Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zimbabwe, Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi, has formally assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in the country after presenting his Letters of Credence to Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa.
Ikurusi presented the credentials to President Mnangagwa at the State House in Harare on Thursday, August 13, 2026, according to a statement by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
The ceremony was followed by bilateral discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Zimbabwe and identifying new areas of cooperation.
President Mnangagwa congratulated Ikurusi on his appointment and expressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to deepen its partnership with Nigeria. He also appreciated Nigeria’s support for Zimbabwe, including its opposition to sanctions against the country and its backing for Zimbabwe’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
The Zimbabwean leader further welcomed moves to revive the Nigeria-Zimbabwe Joint Commission for Cooperation as a platform for advancing bilateral ties.
Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Ikurusi conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings and goodwill to President Mnangagwa, as well as to the Government and people of Zimbabwe.
He thanked the Zimbabwean authorities for the warm reception and reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to expand cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, mining and solid minerals, energy, manufacturing, information and communication technology, and the digital economy.
Ikurusi stressed the need for both countries to pursue practical partnerships that would translate into tangible benefits for their citizens.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s support for African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace and security, democratic governance and regional integration.
Beyond economic ties, the Ambassador identified education, cultural exchanges, tourism and youth development as key areas for strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigerians and Zimbabweans.
Ikurusi pledged to work closely with the Zimbabwean Government and other stakeholders to advance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
In response, President Mnangagwa assured the Nigerian envoy of his support and cooperation throughout his diplomatic assignment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the presentation of the credentials as a significant step towards consolidating the historic Nigeria-Zimbabwe relationship, anchored on shared African interests, mutual respect and stronger bilateral cooperation.
