By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
Algeria’s 71st National Day was celebrated in Abuja with colour, pride, and diplomatic elegance, as the Algerian Embassy hosted dignitaries, government officials, and members of the diplomatic community to mark the anniversary of the historic 1954 National Liberation Revolution.
Speaking at the event, the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, described the day as a moment of deep pride for Algerians worldwide.
He recalled that the November Revolution marked the beginning of a courageous struggle that led to independence in 1962 after 132 years of colonial occupation and the sacrifice of more than five million martyrs.
According to the Ambassador, the Revolution remains “an inexhaustible source of pride and patriotism for the entire Algerian people, guiding their path towards development and well-being.”
Ambassador Mezoued outlined Algeria’s accomplishments since independence, noting major investments in human, economic, social, and environmental development. He stated that Algeria is currently Africa’s third-largest economy, with a GDP of nearly US$300 billion, and projections to reach US$400 billion by 2027.
He further emphasized Algeria’s strong commitment to social welfare, which guarantees free access to education, healthcare, and decent housing for all its citizens.
The Ambassador praised the growing bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Nigeria, describing 2025 as a year marked by significant diplomatic and economic milestones. He highlighted deeper collaboration in diplomacy, parliamentary exchange, energy, and trade.
A major step in parliamentary cooperation was the visit of a high-level Nigerian delegation to Algeria last October, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented during the Abuja celebrations by Hon. Abubakar Babazango, Chairman of the Nigeria–Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group.
In the economic sector, he noted fruitful engagements between SONATRACH and NNPC Limited, and the advancement of three key strategic projects. He also announced that Air Algérie commenced direct flights from Algiers to Abuja in April 2025, boosting economic and cultural ties.
Algeria continues to support human-capacity development in Nigeria through scholarships in higher education, vocational training, and religious studies, with 270 scholarships provided between 2007 and 2016.
The Ambassador also highlighted the success of the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) hosted in Algiers in September, which saw strong participation from Nigerian businesses exploring opportunities in Algeria’s agro-food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and home appliance sectors. Several trade agreements were signed, opening new commercial prospects between both countries.
In his remarkedSpeaker, House of Representatives Federal Republic of Nigeria Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented at the occasion by Chairman, Nigeria Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group Committee HON. ABUBAKAR BABAZANGO praised the resilience and sacrifice of the Algerian people, describing the Independence anniversary as a symbol of hope across Africa.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Algeria, particularly through the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, education, and cultural exchange.
He extended warm greetings to the President and people of Algeria, expressing hope that the friendship between both nations would continue to flourish in unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
