Nigeria ready to deepen trade and investment with partners – FG

Says Nigeria ready to deepen trade and investment, strengthen cooperation on peace and security, advance education, others

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The Federal Government has acknowledged the cooperation received from the international community in processing the agréments for the nation’s ambassadorial nominees.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the acknowledgement during her maiden briefing with the diplomatic corps in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, said the prompt attention accorded the requests demonstrated the goodwill that continued to characterise the relations between Nigeria and other countries.

“I wish to acknowledge the cooperation received from your respective governments in processing agrément for Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees. The prompt attention accorded these requests demonstrates the goodwill that continues to characterise our relations.

“On our part, the government is taking steps to facilitate the effective commencement of duties by ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Nigeria, including greater regularity in the presentation of Letters of Credence. We recognise the importance of enabling Heads of Mission to commence their representational responsibilities without administrative delay,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

Speaking on security, welfare and cultural diplomacy during the parley, the minister said the safety and wellbeing of the diplomatic corps remained a priority for the government.

“Nigeria remains fully conscious of its obligations under the Vienna Conventions, including the protection of diplomatic and consular personnel, their families, premises and property.

“Whenever you have security concerns or other issues affecting your stay in Nigeria, please bring them promptly to our attention. The ministry will engage the appropriate government and security agencies to ensure that legitimate concerns are addressed. We want you to feel safe, enjoy your assignments and ultimately leave Nigeria with positive memories of our country and our people.

“We also recognise that diplomacy is ultimately about people. Nigeria possesses extraordinary cultural richness, and we want you to experience our country beyond official engagements. At the same time, we value the cultural diversity represented by your missions,” she also said.

In the area of partnership, reciprocity and mutual respect, Odumegwu-Ojukwu told the envoys that Nigeria is open to trade, investment, tourism, technology, knowledge and meaningful partnerships.

She also said at the heart of the engagements must be reciprocity, sovereign equality and mutual respect.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that increasing geopolitical complexity, conflicts, terrorism, climate change, cyber insecurity, irregular migration and economic uncertainty remind the international community that no country can confront today’s challenges alone.

“Nigeria will therefore continue to champion dialogue, multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes, while remaining active within ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other international institutions. We will continue to advocate an international system in which Africa’s voice is heard and the continent participates meaningfully in shaping global decisions.

“We are ready to work with each of you to deepen trade and investment, strengthen cooperation on peace and security, advance education, health and technological innovation, and create greater opportunities for our peoples,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.