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Nigeria’s pioneer Head of Mission to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ambassador Sani Bako, has stated that diplomatic relations between the two post-colonial states, which began as political solidarity 50 years ago, had evolved into a partnership, delivering results in trade, investment and cultural exchange.
The partnership deepened with the establishment of resident missions. Nigeria opened its Embassy in Hanoi, the administrative capital, in 2007 and Vietnam reciprocated by opening an Embassy in Abuja in the same year.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Nigeria-Vietnam relations, which took effect on May 25, 1976, Ambassador Bako noted that the volume of trade between the two countries stood at $1 billion as of 2024.
“Vietnam currently exports electronics, garments, textiles and other consumer goods to Nigeria, while importing crude oil, cashew nuts and several raw materials,” he said. “Interestingly, the trade balance favours Nigeria.”
He stressed that the time had come for economic ties between both countries to evolve into a partnership that would lead to technology transfer, manufacturing and agricultural investment. He added that Vietnam has expertise in modern agriculture that Nigeria could leverage.
Ambassador Bako, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria-Vietnam Trade and Cultural Association (NVETCA), added that the association was facilitating private sector engagement to deliver visible partnerships in farming, manufacturing and other ventures that would strengthen economic ties in the near future.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in a recent meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador, Bui Quoc Hung, emphasised that Nigeria was open for business with Vietnam. “Vietnam is a partner we want to grow with,” the President stressed.
Ambassador Bako also noted that Ambassador Hung has called on Nigeria to address lingering visa obstacles affecting officials and business travellers. He pointed out that a 2019 visa waiver agreement reached by both countries had not been fully implemented, adding that resolving this would be critical to sustaining momentum in bilateral relations.
