Tinubu Seeks Stronger Intra-Africa Investment, Economic Integration

President Bola Tinubu has called for synergy and stronger coordinated action to address economic frailties within African nations.

He made the call at the State House yesterday during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria.

The ambassadors who presented their credentials include Ambassador Edouard Nduwimana, Burundi Ambassador to Nigeria; Ambassador Mersole Mellejor, Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, and the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina.

In separate meetings with each ambassador, President Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Nigeria values the warm and brotherly relations with their respective countries and remains a steadfast partner in promoting democratic values and economic opportunities that benefit citizens of all partner nations.

In his meeting with the Philippines ambassador, the president said Nigeria had embarked on a bold initiative to expand its natural gas production to meet domestic needs and increase exports.
He encouraged the representative of the Southeast-Asian nation to attract investors from his country to explore opportunities in Nigeria.

‘’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, promote economic ties and collaboration between our two nations,’’ the President said.

Ambassador Mellejor acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role and strategic position in Africa as the continent’s largest economy, population, and democracy.

He said these strong credentials form the basis upon which his country seeks to expand economic ties with Nigeria.

He informed the president that no fewer than 3,000 Filipinos are in Nigeria, mainly employed in the oil industry.

‘’We are grateful for the warm hospitality for 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,” the Ambassador said.

In his meeting with the Burundian Ambassador, President Tinubu addressed the recent floods in East African countries, underscoring the need for African leaders and governments to urgently work together to confront common challenges, such as climate change and other 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.

Ambassador Nduwimana had informed the President that torrential rains and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika have affected many Burundians since the beginning of the year.