High Commissioner to Nigeria

  • Media release

Today I announcethe appointment of Ms Claire Ireland as Australia's next High Commissioner toNigeria. Ms Ireland will also have non-resident accreditation to Benin,Cameroon, Gabon, Niger and The Gambia.

The Nigerianeconomy has grown over the past decade and is the largest in Africa. Nigeria isAustralia's second-largest trading partner on the continent, with two-way tradetotalling $1.3 billion in 2017-18. Australia's economic engagement withBenin, Cameroon, Gabon, Niger and The Gambia, is also increasing, particularlyin the mining and oil and gas sectors.

Australia andNigeria share a longstanding relationship with growing people-to-people links.We work closely in the Commonwealth and the United Nations to promote peace,prosperity and democracy. Australia supports Nigeria's efforts to counterterrorism and combat violent extremism.

Ms Ireland is acareer officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was mostrecently Counsellor, Economic and Development Cooperation, Australian Embassy,Hanoi.

Ms Ireland holds a Master of Science,Imperial College London; and a Bachelor of Science (Honours), University ofSalford.
I thank outgoingHigh Commissioner Paul Lehmann for his contributions to advancing Australia'sinterests in Nigeria since 2015.

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