Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zimbabwe, Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi, has formally commenced his diplomatic assignment in the country after presenting his Letters of Credence to Zimbabwean President, Emmerson D. Mnangagwa.Ikurusi presented the letters to President Mnangagwa at the State House in Harare on Thursday, August 13, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Friday.
Following the ceremony, the Nigerian ambassador held a bilateral meeting with Mnangagwa, during which both sides reviewed the longstanding relations between Nigeria and Zimbabwe and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
President Mnangagwa congratulated Ikurusi on his appointment and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria.
The Zimbabwean leader particularly acknowledged Nigeria’s support for Zimbabwe in opposing sanctions imposed on the country and appreciated Nigeria’s backing for Zimbabwe’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
Mnangagwa also welcomed ongoing efforts to revitalise the Nigeria-Zimbabwe Joint Commission for Cooperation.
In his remarks, Ikurusi conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as those of the Nigerian Government and people, to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Zimbabwe, particularly in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, mining and solid minerals, energy, manufacturing, ICT and the digital economy.
The ambassador stressed the need to identify practical areas of cooperation capable of delivering tangible benefits to both countries.
Ikurusi also reiterated Nigeria’s support for African-led and African-owned solutions to the continent’s challenges, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and security, democratic governance and regional integration.
He identified academic exchanges, culture, tourism and youth development as additional areas through which people-to-people relations between Nigerians and Zimbabweans could be strengthened.
The ambassador assured President Mnangagwa of his commitment to working closely with the Zimbabwean Government and other stakeholders to deepen bilateral relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
Mnangagwa, in turn, assured the Nigerian envoy of his support and cooperation in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the presentation of the Letters of Credence as an important step towards consolidating the historic relationship between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The ministry said it remains committed to advancing bilateral cooperation between both countries based on shared African interests and mutual respect.