President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, describing her emergence as a remarkable milestone in the country’s political history.
Takaichi, a veteran lawmaker and former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, was elected by Japan’s parliament on Friday, breaking a decades-long gender barrier in the leadership of the world’s fourth-largest economy.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Takaichi’s long-standing dedication to public service and her contributions to Japan’s democratic development.
In his congratulatory letter, personally signed and delivered to Tokyo, Tinubu expressed warm wishes on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, highlighting shared democratic values and mutual respect that have defined relations between both nations.
“Your victory as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and ultimately as the Prime Minister of Japan constitutes a remarkable expression of the confidence reposed in you by the good people of Japan,” Tinubu said.
He noted that Takaichi’s election reflects her decades of loyalty, competence, and service to her country, and expressed optimism that her leadership would open new avenues for collaboration between Nigeria and Japan.
“Nigeria and Japan have maintained a deep, productive, and strategic relationship over the years, covering several areas of cooperation. I am confident that we will build on this foundation to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” he added.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to expand economic and diplomatic relations, pledging continued goodwill and partnership.
“I look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience to explore new opportunities for cooperation between our nations,” Tinubu wrote, wishing the new Prime Minister a successful tenure.
Tinubu concluded his message by expressing confidence that Nigeria–Japan relations would continue to flourish under Takaichi’s leadership.
