President Bola Tinubu has called for synergy and stronger coordinated action to address economic frailties within African nations.
President Tinubu made the call at the State House on Friday during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria.
The ambassadors who presented their credentials were 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 emphasized that 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 has 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.
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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.
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.
He requested Nigeria’s support to complement national relief efforts to assist people in the affected areas.
He also called for Nigeria’s investments in Burundi’s solid minerals sector and reiterated his President’s interest in opportunities within Nigeria’s oil sector.
In his meeting with the Kenyan High Commissioner, President Tinubu said Nigeria and Kenya have collaborated on a wide range of issues, including counter-terrorism, peace, and security in Africa.
High Commissioner Parashina presented President William Ruto’s desire for a high-level visit to further strengthen bilateral relations.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
