International
Nigeria, Netherlands To Establish Bi-National Commission To Boost Trade, Investment
Nigeria, Netherlands To Establish Bi-National Commission To Boost Trade, Investment
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Netherlands are in talks over establishing a Joint Bi-National Commission to boost existing trade and investment ties between both countries.
This latest action is coming on the heels of President Bola Tinubu open invitation to countries that may be interested in doing business with Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, made the interest known on Wednesday while welcoming a delegation from Netherlands which was in Abuja for the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation meeting that aims at strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors of the economy.
Lamuwa, who was represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment Department in the Ministry, Bolaji Akinremi, at the meeting said the Joint Commission has become necessary following the remarkable economic cooperation between both countries.
He said that the volume of trade between both countries is very significant as several Dutch Companies have their operational base in Nigeria.
According to him, some of the Dutch Companies include; the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, Friesland Campina, Heineken, Pladis, DAF Trucks, P Phillips, TNT, KLM, Royal Haskoning, Primstar, VliscO, Unilever, Fugro, VanVliet, APM Terrmincl and Bosman van Zaal.
Lamuwa said: “iIn spite of our longstanding bilateral relations with the Netherlands there is no Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement between the two countries. Negotiation for the establishment of a Joint Commission has been inconclusive since 1987.
“Against this background, the Government of Nigeria would like to reopen the negotiation for the establishment of a Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement, as this would further consolidate and boost the relations between the two countries.”
He added that the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation is a demonstration of the commitment of the Governments of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in fostering the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
He said: “The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has set a vision of building a thriving and sustainable economy that will generate wealth, create employment, boost Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and diversify the Nigerian economy. In this regard, the Government of Nigeria is open to exploring other areas of economic cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
He further added that Nigeria is willing to explore areas of economic cooperation with the Netherlands in agricultural value chain, secular economy, renewable energy, waterways management and water security, oil and gas, special economic zones.
The Vice-Minister for Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who led the Dutch Delegation to meeting, Ms. Hanneke Schuiling, in her remark, said the consultation was apt as it opens opportunity to modernize the Bilateral Investment Treaty between both countries, adding that a reformed treaty will help to further strengthen investment relations.
“Our economies are strongly connected through a multitude of trade and investment relations. These relations are strong and often go back many years. Several Dutch companies are a household name in Nigeria and are a source of employment and income together with their Nigerian partners. The strength of our economic relations is also clear when we look at our trade statistics; the Netherlands continues to be one of Nigeria’s five most important trading partners.”
She added that both countries see a high potential in four areas in particular: –agriculture, IT, healthcare and renewable energy, stressing that the Dutch private sector can add value for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the Netherlands.
She said: “I am pleased that we are now starting the renegotiation of the existing bilateral investment treaty as a means to further strengthen mutual economic interest and opportunities. As you may be aware, the current treaty was signed in 1992. Since then, both countries have experienced significant changes in their approach to international investments which can be adopted into a new treaty.
“It is important to modernize our treaty to reflect these changes. A modernized treaty can also foster stronger economic relations between our two nations.”
The Consultation meeting had many Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals in attendance. They Include: the National Office For Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), The National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) among others.
Nigeria, Netherlands To Establish Bi-National Commission To Boost Trade, Investment
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and military-technical cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to promote peace, sovereignty and stability across the African continent.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa and other officials, a Russian envoy described Nigeria as a strategic and promising partner, noting its position as the most populous country in Africa and a key regional player.
“We consider the Federal Republic of Nigeria a promising partner on the African continent. You are the largest country, and we support the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to strengthen national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and ensure regional security,” the envoy said.
He expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s willingness to pursue constructive cooperation with Russia in the areas of military and defence technology.
“We positively assess your commitment to fruitful cooperation with our country in military and military-technical spheres,” he added.
The Russian official called for an open discussion on current defence priorities, pledging continued support to Nigeria and other African partners.
In his response, Gen Musa, appreciated them for their support and commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for inviting him and his for the 80th victory parade.
He also appreciated them for the donation of weapons and drones to boost the campaign against terrorism within Nigeria and the Sahel Region
“Today, we discuss the most relevant issues of cooperation between our defence ministries. We value our friendship with Russia and deeply appreciate all the assistance Russia has provided assistance that has often been critical for many countries,” he said.
He praised Russia’s reliability and action-oriented diplomacy, saying, “You don’t just make promises, you fulfil them. Everyone knows Russia works for the good of peace and stability.”said General Musa.
The meeting, attended by top defence officials from both countries, is expected to yield agreements that will boost training, logistics, arms supply and intelligence-sharing in the fight against terrorism.
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
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