Federal Government Confirms Plans to Reopen Nigerian Embassy in North Korea After 3 Years

The Federal Government is set to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, after its closure in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nigeria’s charge d’affaires to North Korea, Patrick Imologhome, announced this during a meeting with Aleksandr Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, on December 11.

According to a statement released by the Russian embassy, discussions centered around diplomatic relations and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

Matsegora expressed optimism about Nigeria’s plans to restore its diplomatic mission and assured his support.

“We are ready to provide full assistance for the smooth functioning of the Nigerian diplomatic corps in the DPRK,”

he said, emphasizing the camaraderie among diplomats in Pyongyang.

North Korea had closed its borders in early 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting foreign diplomats and international organizations to leave the country. The country began reopening its borders in August 2023, paving the way for Nigeria to resume diplomatic activities.

In 2022, Nigeria was linked to allegations in a United Nations report claiming plans to procure $3.5 million worth of arms from North Korea’s Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, a sanctioned entity associated with the Korean People’s Army. The alleged deal, which Nigeria denied, would have violated international sanctions prohibiting arms trade with North Korea.

The reopening of the Nigerian embassy signals efforts to normalize relations while navigating the challenges of international diplomacy.