Nigeria-Kuwait expand education partnership, deepen economic ties
File: Nigeria-Kuwait flag / Shutterstock
Nigeria and Kuwait have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger economic cooperation, with both countries highlighting education, infrastructure and human capital development as pillars of a growing bilateral partnership.
The renewed push was underscored on Tuesday night in Abuja during the celebration of the 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait, which also highlighted Kuwait’s democratic traditions, moderate foreign policy and long-standing partnership with Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, Salim Aimuzayen, highlighted Kuwait’s long record of supporting developing countries.
“Since the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961, Kuwait has provided funding for development projects in 107 countries. In this context, Kuwait reaffirms its commitment to supporting global development and the continued provision of humanitarian aid to all parts of the world,” he said.
The ambassador also commended the “excellent and historical” bilateral relations between Kuwait and Nigeria, dating back to the 1960s. He cited the Al-Sabah School in Kaduna State, built in that era, as evidence of enduring friendship and a platform for deeper cooperation.
“This reflects the depth of these historical relations and shows further prospects for developing new horizons of cooperation in various areas between our two friendly countries,” he noted.
He further highlighted a flagship education initiative in Nigeria.
“The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, with distinguished partners and UNICEF, is funding the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project in Kaduna State, which aims to assist over 200,000 students,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria–Kuwait relations would continue to grow in pursuit of shared prosperity, peace and progress.
On foreign policy, the envoy said Kuwait is guided by moderation and cooperation.
“The State of Kuwait adopts the principle of moderation in its foreign policy, with clear frameworks in its diplomatic relations, and aspires for the world to participate in its Vision 2035 for a future Kuwait as a regional financial, commercial and cultural centre,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by the Director of the Regions Department at the Ministry, Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, said Nigeria’s ties with Kuwait were increasingly anchored in substantive economic cooperation.
“The foremost example of this cooperation is the partnership between Nigeria and Kuwait for higher economic development, which has recently taken a decisive step forward in supporting Nigeria’s social and human capital priorities,” he said.
He disclosed that in 2025, the Federal Government entered into a concessional loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund to implement the Reaching Out-of-School Children Programme, aimed at expanding inclusive access to quality education, especially for older children, girls and children with disabilities.
“This programme, which is part of a broader US$62.8 million financing package, will construct and rehabilitate climate-resilient schools, enhance teacher capacity and help enrol tens of thousands of children in safe and effective learning environments,” Hamman said.
He added that “the Kuwait Fund’s investment is not merely in buildings, but in hope and opportunity for Nigeria’s next generation.”
Beyond education, he said both governments were deepening cooperation across critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
“High-level discussions between Nigerian officials and the Kuwait Fund have explored strategic partnerships in food security, agricultural modernisation, infrastructure, digital connectivity and renewable energy — areas where Kuwait’s concessional financing and technical expertise can add significant value to Nigeria’s development priorities,” he said.
Hamman added that subnational engagement was also gaining traction, with Nigerian states promoting investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, technology and infrastructure to Kuwaiti investors.
“Our shared economic agenda also extends to labour and skills development. Recent initiatives to connect Nigeria’s talent with employment opportunities in Kuwait and beyond are stepping stones toward enhancing workforce mobility and creating win-win outcomes for both countries,” he said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to an investment-friendly environment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Indeed, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to pursue economic diversification and sustained growth, Nigeria remains committed to creating transparent, predictable and investment-friendly conditions that encourage Kuwaiti participation across sectors,” Hamman said.
On the occasion of Kuwait’s National Day, he congratulated the Amir, government and people of Kuwait, describing the celebration as “a tribute to Kuwait’s remarkable journey of nation-building and strategic engagement with the world.”
“The relationship between Nigeria and Kuwait is rooted in a long history of diplomatic friendship, mutual respect and shared interests. On this auspicious day, the Government and people of Nigeria reaffirm our commitment to deeper cooperation with the State of Kuwait across all fronts, political, economic and social,” he said.
