ABUJA, Nigeria – The Czech Republic is pursuing stronger economic, agricultural and defence cooperation with Nigeria following a series of diplomatic and business engagements involving Nigerian government officials, military representatives and Czech companies.
The engagements include discussions with Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, a Nigerian Air Force delegation’s visit to the Czech Republic and celebrations marking the 108th anniversary of the founding of independent Czechoslovakia.
The developments reflect growing cooperation between the two countries across agriculture, military aviation, defence technology, industrial development and trade.
Taraba seeks wider agricultural cooperation
Czech Ambassador to Nigeria Tomáš Výprachtický recently hosted Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas at his residence in Abuja, where the two sides discussed opportunities to expand commercial relations.
The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, with agriculture, rice production, security and investment identified as important areas for further engagement.
Taraba has already established commercial links with Czech businesses through the purchase of nearly 1,000 Czech-made mini tractors. The agricultural equipment was accompanied by mobile service units designed to provide maintenance and repair support to farmers.
The arrangement is intended to improve access to agricultural machinery and strengthen farming operations across the Nigerian state.
Building on the existing relationship, the discussions explored opportunities to increase trade and investment, particularly in agricultural production and the development of local farming capacity.
Ambassador Výprachtický welcomed the governor’s visit and expressed interest in continuing the engagement, with Governor Kefas extending an invitation for a future meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Nigeria and Czechia strengthen defence cooperation
Beyond agriculture, military aviation and defence technology have emerged as significant areas of bilateral engagement.
From October 19 to 23, 2026, a Nigerian Air Force delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Esen Paul Efanga visited the Czech Republic to participate in the Future Air Force Conference and Future Forces Forum 2026.
The Czech Embassy in Abuja said Nigeria had participated in every edition of the Future Air Force Conference since the initiative began in 2023.
The continued participation provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange military expertise, discuss emerging technologies and explore areas of cooperation in aviation and defence.
Air Vice Marshal Efanga was among the keynote speakers at the conference, delivering a presentation titled “Strategic Air Mobility Across Vast Territories: The Role of Air Power in National Security and Humanitarian Operations.”
His presentation examined the contribution of military aviation to national security, particularly in countries with extensive territories and complex security requirements.
It also addressed the importance of air mobility in humanitarian operations, where aviation capabilities can support emergency response, transportation and the delivery of assistance to communities in difficult-to-reach locations.
The Nigerian delegation also held bilateral meetings with Czech companies and representatives of the Czech Air Force.
These engagements provided an opportunity to discuss technical expertise, defence capabilities and possible areas for future collaboration.
As part of the programme, the delegation participated in Industry Day, which included visits to Czech industrial facilities to gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s manufacturing capabilities, products and technological developments.
The delegation was accompanied by Marie Nwanyanwu, Deputy Head of Mission and Economic Counsellor at the Czech Embassy in Abuja.
Czechia celebrates 108 years of independence with Nigerian partners
The diplomatic engagements coincided with celebrations marking the 108th anniversary of the founding of independent Czechoslovakia, which brought together Nigerian government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Czech community.
The celebration, held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, attracted representatives of the diplomatic corps, government institutions, private businesses, Cool Czechia alumni and other friends of the Czech Republic in Nigeria.
A strong Czech contingent also travelled from Prague to attend the occasion.
During his address, Ambassador Výprachtický spoke about the relationship between the Czech Republic and Nigeria, outlining projects supported by his country in Nigeria and expressing confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation.
He also reiterated the Czech Republic’s support for Ukraine.
Nigeria was represented at the celebration by Ambassador Babagana Wakil, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who delivered a goodwill message.
Wakil spoke about the expanding relationship between the two countries and the opportunities available for increased commercial engagement.
The event also provided an opportunity for guests to learn more about Czech-supported development initiatives in Nigeria and Chad, as well as the activities of Czech businesses operating across the region.
Technology, business and cultural exchange
Guests experienced Czech culture through traditional food and beverages, while demonstrations and exhibitions introduced them to the country’s technological and industrial capabilities.
One of the displays featured Prusa Research 3D printers, demonstrated with support from Nigerian technology company Innov8 Hub.
The exhibition offered guests an opportunity to see how advanced manufacturing technologies could contribute to innovation and industrial development.
Participants also learned about Czech companies operating in the region and explored projects supported by Czech funding in Nigeria and Chad.
The cultural programme included both classical and contemporary Czech music, creating an opportunity for diplomatic and business representatives to engage beyond formal discussions.
The embassy acknowledged the support of Transcorp Hilton Abuja for hosting the celebration.
Several companies also supported the event, including BTL Medical International, DEFCON, Excalibur International, CZ firearms and AERO Vodochody.
The three engagements demonstrate the breadth of the Czech Republic’s relationship with Nigeria, spanning agricultural mechanisation in Taraba State, military aviation cooperation, industrial technology and diplomatic exchanges.
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