Nigeria and Japan are poised to enhance their bilateral relations with a focus on key areas such as trade, infrastructure, food security, and health. This commitment was expressed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with a Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi and JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a statement from his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President assured that all outstanding partnership issues would be addressed promptly, underscoring the significance of cooperation with JICA, which has been instrumental in Nigeria’s development efforts. This includes a recent ¥1.75 billion grant aimed at enhancing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s diagnostic capabilities.
“All the grey areas will be addressed. Luckily, the CBN Governor is here, and two of the major beneficiary ministries are represented at the highest level. Be assured that in a couple of days, we are going to resolve all the grey areas and elevate our relationship,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima expressed gratitude to JICA’s President for the significant grant, noting, “Your contributions span critical sectors of our economy and align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” He acknowledged JICA’s support in polio eradication, which helped Nigeria achieve polio-free status in 2020.
“We share your vision of making Nigeria a hub for disease control in West Africa. One in every four black men is a Nigerian, so we urge you to further enhance cooperation between our nations,” he added.
Dr. Akihiko conveyed sympathy for the recent floods in Nigeria and praised the collaboration with Nigerian engineers. He announced Japan’s plans for an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year, aimed at further solidifying ties between the two nations.
He extended his appreciation to Nigeria for allowing JICA to participate in development projects and commended the efforts of Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi in fostering Nigeria-Japan relations.
Kazuyoshi highlighted Japan’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with Nigeria, while Dr. Kinsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement, noted JICA’s significant contributions to food security and infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Lagos transmission substation to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Apapa Wharf.
Also present at the meeting were Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Water Resources Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.
