Oluwatobi Adu 
Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, and Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and Italy have deepened bilateral ties with a new green investment and education partnership aimed at tackling youth unemployment and reducing irregular migration among young Nigerians.
The agreement emerged on Wednesday during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Global Education Summit scheduled for Rome.
Both countries agreed to establish a joint Working Group to coordinate activities for the Global Partnership for Education financing campaign, which seeks to mobilise $5 billion for global education initiatives.
Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria viewed education, youth empowerment and green investment as strategic tools for economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are interested in what we can do to keep our youth within our shores in productive ways,” she said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population makes investment in education and environmentally sustainable industries increasingly urgent. She added that both countries were exploring green investment opportunities capable of creating jobs, boosting economic stability and supporting vulnerable communities.
Italian envoy Mengoni said Nigeria and Italy currently serve as co-chairs of the Global Partnership for Education initiative, adding that discussions focused on preparations for the Rome summit expected to attract major international commitments toward expanding access to quality education worldwide.
Analysts say the partnership reflects growing international concern over youth migration from Africa and increasing recognition that investment in education, clean energy and green industries could provide long-term economic alternatives for millions of young people.
The proposed collaboration is also expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between both countries while advancing sustainable development goals across key sectors.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Mirian Gom 