Nigeria is preparing to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea, following its closure in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move was disclosed by Patrick Imologhome, Nigeria’s charge d’affaires to North Korea, in a meeting with Aleksandr Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to the Asian country, on December 11. According to a statement from the Russian embassy, the two envoys engaged in a “thorough exchange of views” regarding current issues on the Korean Peninsula.
Matsegora expressed his sincere wishes for the successful reopening of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and assured that he would offer full support and assistance to ensure the productive functioning of the diplomatic community in North Korea. The statement also noted that despite its small size, the diplomatic corps in North Korea remains cohesive and maintains a friendly attitude among diplomats.
North Korea closed its borders in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced foreign diplomats and international organizations to leave the country. However, the country began reopening its borders in August 2023, allowing for the gradual return of foreign diplomatic missions.
In 2022, a United Nations (UN) report raised concerns over a potential arms deal between Nigeria and North Korea. The report suggested that Nigeria was planning to purchase $3.5 million worth of arms from Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, a weapons trading entity linked to the Korean People’s Army and the North Korean government. Such a deal would have violated sanctions imposed by the UN, European Union, and the United States, which prohibit the purchase of arms from North Korea.
