The Federal Government has expressed deep sympathy to the Government and people of Japan following the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on July 28, 2026, leaving casualties, injuries and widespread destruction in its wake.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed Nigeria’s condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Japanese government and citizens affected by the disaster.
The Minister described the earthquake as deeply concerning and extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured and everyone impacted by the natural disaster.
“The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have received with deep concern the news of the powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on 28 July 2026,” the statement read.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria stands firmly in solidarity with Japan as the country confronts the humanitarian and infrastructural consequences of the disaster.
She also commended the prompt response of the Japanese authorities and emergency services in carrying out rescue operations and providing relief to affected communities.
According to the Minister, the swift actions of first responders demonstrate Japan’s resilience and commitment to protecting lives in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Reaffirming the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Japan, the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that the two countries share enduring ties of friendship and cooperation.
She expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured, the safe rescue of persons still unaccounted for and the successful rebuilding of affected communities in Kumamoto Prefecture and the wider Kyushu region.
