Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic growth, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for increased localized production in key sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and mineral deposits.
Receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Portugal, Vietnam, and Kuwait at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigeria to leverage its bilateral relations with the three nations to promote localized production and economic cooperation.
The President expressed his appreciation for Nigeria’s long-standing relations with Portugal and the shared interest in the areas of trade and culture, as well as partnership in oil and gas, which has translated into gains for both countries.
“It is good to have you in Nigeria. I am happy you are familiar with Nigeria and the environment. I believe that with your presence, our bilateral relations will be further improved. I am happy you are also present in other West African countries.
“I have been informed of your economic interest in Nigeria. We need to work together for more localized productions as regards mineral deposits. I have an open-door policy, and you can always reach me through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and my Chief of Staff, Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila,” the President said.
Responding, the Portuguese Ambassador, Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos, assured that investors from his country have a keen interest in Nigeria, and that the trade with Nigeria on gas predated the war between Russia and Ukraine, and will be sustained.
“I will work on our agreements on improving economic relations. There is no shortage of interest in the areas of development where we can be partners. We are one of the highest buyers of gas from Nigeria, and we remain grateful for the supplies.
“We have long-standing mutual relations when it comes to energy. Before the Russia and Ukraine war, we have been getting our gas from Nigeria. Portuguese companies are also handling the rail line construction from Kano to Niger Republic. It will be ready in two years,’’ the Portuguese Ambassador said.
In his meeting with the Ambassador of Vietnam, President Tinubu said the manufacturing sector in Nigeria was ready to benefit from the automating skills and technology of the Asian country.
“We share a lot with Vietnam in terms of diversity and values. We really value our bilateral agreements with your country, Vietnam, especially in the area of technology. We look forward to adding more value to the partnership with you in terms of collaboration for development,’’ the President said.
Responding, the Vietnamese Ambassador, Biu Quoc Hung, said he was in Nigeria to strengthen relations and improve economic ties.
“Under your leadership, I see Nigeria overcoming most of her challenges and taking its place among the happiest people in the world.’’
In another meeting, President Tinubu thanked the Ambassador of Kuwait for his country’s long-standing good relations with Nigeria and extended his appreciation to the Kuwaiti Emir and the Crown Prince.
“I am glad we are pulling strings to enhance the value of our relationship. We are both committed to the development of our people and will explore opportunities for economic ties. I have an open-door policy so you can always reach me,” the President said.
The Kuwaiti Ambassador, Salim Khalifa Mohammed Almuzayen, also pledged to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
