President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration and coordinated efforts to tackle economic challenges across African nations.
He made this call at the State House on Friday during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria.
The ambassadors presenting their credentials were Edouard Nduwimana from Burundi, Mersole Mellejor from the Philippines, and Isaac Parashina, High Commissioner of Kenya.
In separate meetings with each ambassador, President Tinubu stressed the importance of maintaining warm relations and partnerships that promote democratic values and economic opportunities.
Meeting With The Philippines Ambassador
During his discussion with Ambassador Mellejor, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s initiative to expand natural gas production to meet both domestic and export needs. He encouraged the ambassador to attract Filipino investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria.
He said: ”We have cordial relations with the Philippines, and we have agreements to promote economic cooperation and trade that were signed in the past, but they have not been implemented.
”We are ready to improve bilateral relations and promote economic ties and collaboration between our two nations.”
Ambassador Mellejor in his remark praised Nigeria’s leadership in Africa and noted the presence of over 3,000 Filipinos in Nigeria, mainly in the oil industry.
”We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our citizens who live and work here, and since I arrived in the country, I have been fascinated by the beauty and hospitality of the country and Nigerians as a people,” he said.
Addressing Climate Challenges with Burundi
In his meeting with Burundian Ambassador Nduwimana, Tinubu expressed condolences for the recent floods in East Africa and called for collective action to tackle climate and environmental issues.
He extended his condolences to the governments and people of Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia, whose citizens were impacted by the recent floods.
”We must work in unison to address environmental challenges, such as floods, drought, and the attendant humanitarian consequences for the African people,’’ the President said.
On economic relations with Burundi, the President promised to follow up on earlier discussions with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on further cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
”As Africans, it is important for us to work together to promote our interests and develop our continent,” Tinubu said.
Ambassador Nduwimana informed the President that torrential rains and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika have affected many Burundians since the beginning of the year.
Nduwimana requested Nigeria’s support to complement national relief efforts to assist people in the affected areas.
He also called for Nigerian investments in Burundi’s solid minerals sector and reiterated his President’s interest in opportunities within Nigeria’s oil sector.
”We recognize what you are doing in Nigeria, and we believe the country’s growth and development offer valuable lessons for us.
”We need Nigerian investors in Burundi in the solid minerals sector, and my President is also desirous of taking further his earlier discussions on opportunities in Nigeria’s oil sector,” the Ambassador said.
Strengthening Ties with Kenya
With Kenyan High Commissioner Parashina, Tinubu acknowledged the countries’ collaboration on issues like counter-terrorism, peace, and security. He emphasized that Africa’s development should be central to their bilateral relations.
”We will continue to promote Africa’s interests together and work together to address issues and challenges common to us.
”Africa’s development and growth should be the centrepiece of our relations and we must promote this across every spectrum of our relations, from the economy to trade, from the social sector to the political and cultural sectors,” the President said.
High Commissioner Parashina conveyed President William Ruto’s interest in a high-level visit to Nigeria to strengthen bilateral ties.
He also discussed shared challenges and opportunities in combating terrorism, addressing climate change, and leveraging the youth population for economic growth.
