Nigeria is preparing to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea, following its closure in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrick Imologhome, Nigeria’s charge d’affaires to North Korea, shared the plans during a meeting with Aleksandr Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, on December 11, 2024. The meeting, according to a statement from the Russian embassy, included a “thorough exchange of views” on current issues related to the Korean Peninsula.
Matsegora extended his support for the restoration of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission, offering full assistance to ensure the successful functioning of the Nigerian embassy. He also praised the cohesion and friendly atmosphere among the small but united diplomatic corps in North Korea.
North Korea had shut its borders in early 2020 as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which led to the withdrawal of foreign diplomats and international organizations. However, the country began reopening its borders in August 2023, paving the way for the resumption of diplomatic activities.
In 2022, a UN report claimed that Nigeria was planning to purchase $3.5 million worth of arms from the Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, a company linked to North Korea’s military. The deal would have violated international sanctions imposed by the UN, EU, and US, which prohibit arms purchases from North Korea.
