Akume Seeks Increased Japanese Investment as Nigeria Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Japan
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship with Japan, calling for greater Japanese investment in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Akume made the appeal during a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, where both leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and industrial development.
The SGF described Japan as one of Nigeria’s most reliable development partners, noting that the Asian nation has consistently supported Nigeria through investments, technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and infrastructure projects over the years. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to creating an enabling business environment that will encourage more Japanese companies to establish operations and expand investments in Nigeria.
According to Akume, the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are designed to improve investor confidence, enhance the ease of doing business, and unlock new opportunities across critical sectors of the economy.
He highlighted Nigeria’s vast population, strategic location, abundant natural resources, and youthful workforce as major advantages that make the country an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.
Akume also commended the Japanese Government for its continued support in areas such as human capital development, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, and disaster risk management, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to flourish.
In his remarks, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.
The ambassador noted that Japan remains interested in expanding cooperation through increased trade, investment, technology transfer, and collaboration with Nigerian institutions. He also reiterated Japan’s readiness to support initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Nigeria.
The meeting further underscored the growing relationship between both countries, with discussions focusing on attracting more private-sector participation and encouraging mutually beneficial partnerships that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Nigeria and Japan have maintained cordial diplomatic relations for decades, collaborating on numerous development projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and technical cooperation.
Observers believe that increased Japanese investment could play a significant role in supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, improving technology transfer, creating employment opportunities, and boosting sustainable economic growth.
Published by: ProlificX Premium Network
