High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Leilani Bin-Juda PSM as Australia's next High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ms Bin-Juda will also be accredited to the Republics of Benin, Cameroon, Niger, The Gambia and Gabon.

Australia values its warm relationship with Nigeria, including as members of the Commonwealth and United Nations, with diplomatic relations spanning over 60 years.

Nigeria has one of Africa's largest economies and is a significant trading partner for Australia in Africa, with two-way trade totalling $596 million in 2022.

Australia's bilateral engagement with west and central African countries is helping to grow commercial and people-to-people ties. Australia supports efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism in West Africa.

Ms Bin-Juda was most recently Director in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Diplomatic Academy, has served overseas as Acting High Commissioner in Tuvalu and Niue, and had postings in China, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

I thank Acting High Commissioner Leann Johnston for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Nigeria and the region since 2022.