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By Tracy Moses
The Nigeria-Bulgaria Parliamentary Group Committee in the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to fortifying the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Bulgaria in the realms of diplomacy, business, and parliamentary exchanges.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Munachim Ikechi Alozie, member representing Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo federal Constituency, Abia State, made these remarks during a farewell meeting with the outgoing Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Yanko Yordanov, held at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The meeting also served as a special side event for the Ambassador’s send-off after four years of dedicated service to Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the lawmaker expressed his gratitude towards Ambassador Yordanov’s service to Nigeria, emphasizing the meaningful partnerships and exchanges established over the years.
He said, “It is a pleasure to welcome you to this inaugural Partnership Exchange event, a remarkable initiative that celebrates Ambassador Yanko Yordanov’s exceptional contribution during his tenure. Over his four years here, Ambassador Yordanov visited 22 out of the 36 states in Nigeria, immersing himself in the diverse cultures, heritage, and opportunities the country offers. He aptly described Nigeria as ‘not just the Giant of Africa, but also a country with many giants.’”
Hon. Alozie further emphasized the importance of continuing the efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Bulgaria ties.
He stated, “Today, we do not merely bid Ambassador Yordanov farewell; we celebrate a friend who, through his intentional engagement, has become an honorary Nigerian, thoroughly enjoying our culture, cuisine, and hospitality. This gathering marks the next step in enhancing our parliamentary ties, building upon the years of collaboration with Ambassador Yordanov in expanding business, trade, and diplomatic cooperation between our two nations.”
The Chairman also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a forthcoming trade mission from Nigeria to Bulgaria, which will take place from July 14th-20th, 2025. He added, “We aim to explore potential avenues for deeper collaboration, focusing on sectors such as trade, education, agriculture, health, energy, and tourism. I extend a special invitation to all to participate in this mission, to explore new opportunities and enhance the strategic partnerships between Nigeria and Bulgaria.”
A notable feature of the Nigeria-Bulgaria Parliamentary Group is its emphasis on sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships. “Our goal is to be a beacon of cooperation, fostering partnerships that are visible, responsible, and impactful. We strive to develop initiatives that will be a source of benefit for both nations for years to come,” Honourable Alozie remarked.
In a brief interview with the media after the event, Ambassador Yanko Yordanov expressed his appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality and the fruitful collaboration between the two countries. He stated, “During my tenure, the diplomatic and business relations between Nigeria and Bulgaria have expanded across several sectors. We have seen substantial cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, and the IT sector. Moving forward, we aim to further strengthen these areas and explore new dimensions of cooperation, especially in high-tech industries.”
The ambassador also noted the warmth and enthusiasm he encountered throughout his tenure, which has led to an enhanced understanding and partnership between the two nations. “The results of our cooperation are tangible and inspiring. Bulgaria remains committed to building on these achievements and looking for new areas of collaboration. I am confident that the future of our relationship is bright, and both nations will continue to work together for mutual benefit,” he added.
Recall that the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Bulgaria has seen a steady rise in both formal and informal exchanges over the years. Notable past events include the 2023 meeting at the House of Representatives, where both governments discussed enhancing bilateral ties. At that session, discussions were centered on future collaborations in education, agriculture, and energy. The Nigerian delegation expressed their interest in Bulgaria’s advancements in agriculture and IT, while Bulgarian representatives stated opportunities in Nigeria’s burgeoning energy sector.
Recall also that in 2021 the House of Representatives hosted a delegation of Bulgarian business leaders to foster trade relations. The partnership led to the successful formation of joint ventures, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and transportation, areas where both countries had identified mutual interests.
The 2020 meeting between Nigerian legislators and the Bulgarian Ambassador also provided a framework for joint initiatives in tourism, with discussions about creating mutual tourism exchange programs to showcase the rich cultural heritage of both countries. These efforts have not only served to strengthen Nigeria-Bulgaria bilateral ties but have also contributed to the deepening of people-to-people relationships.
As Ambassador Yordanov prepares to leave Nigeria, his tenure is marked by a sense of optimism and confidence that the foundations laid during his time in office will continue to grow. The House of Representatives, through the Nigeria-Bulgaria Parliamentary Group, is committed to ensuring that these ties continue to expand for the benefit of both countries.
Looking ahead, he noted that the two nations are poised to build upon their successes, with further collaborative efforts planned across various sectors. The forthcoming trade mission to Bulgaria in July 2025, as well as future bilateral meetings, will likely solidify this enduring partnership.