The Nigeria-Belgium Friendship Parliamentary Group has declared a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Belgium through a series of forward-thinking initiatives.
In a statement jointly signed by the group’s chairman, Hon. Dr. Ahmed Adamu Saba, and the group’s technical adviser, Mr. Lugard Okonobo, the group said these measures are part of a strategic effort to enhance cooperation in key areas, namely, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
The statement added that the group’s work plan for 2025 would emphasise fostering mutual understanding and practical collaboration.
“Central to these efforts is the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, slated for Q2 2025, which aims to create new trade opportunities, attract investment, and deepen economic ties.
“Furthermore, the Expanded Flanders-Nigeria Trade Mission will extend its reach to include more Nigerian states, ensuring equitable regional development.”
In education, the Nigeria-Belgium Academic Exchange program will allow students and lecturers to participate in semester exchanges and joint research efforts in areas such as climate change and technology.
“Additionally, the Nigeria Arts and Culture Festival, scheduled for August 2025, will serve as a platform to celebrate Nigerian traditions, arts, and cuisine, fostering cultural appreciation between the two nations of Nigeria and Belgium.”
On the initiative, the chairman, Saba, stated, “This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria-Belgium relations. Building on our shared interests and creating impactful programs can deepen our partnership for mutual benefit across cultural, educational, and economic spheres.”
The Nigeria-Belgium Friendship Parliamentary Group has outlined a comprehensive framework to ensure these initiatives yield measurable outcomes, strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade volumes, and increase academic and cultural collaboration.
In a similar vein, Mr Lugard Okonobo-Technical Adviser to Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, explains further that the friendship group shall explore all opportunities within the cooperative’s financial sector to support the development of trade, start-ups and agriculture reference to the activities of the International Cooperatives Alliance-ICA global headquarters of cooperative situated in Belgium, as well as the European Union (EU) and Africa Caribbean Pacific States-ACP Headquarters at Belgium.
Mr Gbenga Ogundipe, Lead Consultant (Africa-EU) Relations, a financial and ICT Consultant currently the social secretary of the NIDO-Belgium/Luxemburg Chapter, has earned the approval of the friendship group to offer technical and economic advisory services and serve as a member of the implementation committee to foster deeper collaboration between Nigeria and Belgium. In the first instance, culture, education, trade, and investments shall be explored, as well as cooperative financing and agriculture.
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