VP Shettima Seeks EU Collaboration In Creating Digital Jobs

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating digital job opportunities for citizens.

He disclosed this on Thursday when the managing director of European Union’s External Action Service, Rita Laranjinha, briefed him on the forthcoming Ministerial Dialogue to be held on October 19, 2023.

According to a statement by the VP’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Friday, Shettima expressed concerns about migration issues and urged the EU to join hands with the Tinubu administration in addressing this challenge by fostering job growth in the digital sector.

He noted that the EU’s agenda aligns perfectly with the eight-point agenda of the Tinubu administration, making it an ideal partner for initiatives aimed at boosting employment in Nigeria.

Shettima highlighted the potential for the EU and Nigeria to work together on projects and programs that would not only benefit Nigerians but also contribute to the development of the entire African continent.

He reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to remain open to interventions that work, adding that mutual and beneficial partnerships remained the utmost in President Tinubu’s foreign policy directive.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration remains a breath of fresh air, observing that despite its current share of challenges, “the nation, like a phoenix, will rise from the ashes of despair and soar.

“Support us and we will, in turn, support not just West Africa but the entire African continent as a result of our Domino effect. We are really out to reposition this country.

“God has blessed this nation. We have not utilised half of our arable and fertile land, much more our bountiful human resources. We are ready to partner with the EU in the execution of mutually beneficial projects and programmes to the benefit of Nigerians,” the VP stated.

Speaking earlier, Laranjinha, who led the EU delegation, said she was in the country ahead of the Ministerial Dialogue with Nigerian officials billed to take place on October 19.

“This Ministerial Dialogue will be chaired by the Vice President of the EU Mission. He will be here to hold meetings with members of the Nigerian government to take stock of the relations between the EU and Nigeria in different areas and to prepare the way forward in this relationship.

“Today, it was very clear that there is a lot of common interest in the relationship but there is still a lot that we can still do. Nigeria matters in the region, continent and the world, and the EU wants to make sure that we will be a partner of choice for Nigeria,” Laranjinha submitted.

She thanked the Vice President for his support, saying the EU delegation was committed to working closely with Nigeria in the different areas of trade, investments, energy, digitalisation, peace, and security matters.