'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Vice President Kashim Shettima today received a high-ranking delegation from the Japanese Government at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, led by the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko.
The courtesy visit served as a platform to discuss ongoing cooperation and explore new avenues for bilateral engagement between the two nations. During his remarks, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to deepening its diplomatic and economic ties with Japan, particularly in critical areas such as trade, infrastructure development, food security, and healthcare.
Shettima noted that Japan has long been a key development partner for Nigeria, and the government is eager to further expand this relationship. “We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with Japan, leveraging shared interests to unlock more opportunities in various sectors. This partnership is vital for the progress we seek in areas such as infrastructural development, food security, and health,” Shettima stated.
He highlighted the potential for increased cooperation, citing Japan's expertise in technological innovation and Nigeria’s strategic position as an economic hub in Africa. He expressed optimism that deepened trade relations and enhanced infrastructure projects will foster sustainable growth and mutual benefits for both nations.
The Vice President also assured the Japanese Government that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to resolving any lingering issues in bilateral relations. “We recognize that there are grey areas in our cooperation, and we are determined to address them to ensure that our partnership continues to grow in strength and scope,” he said.
Ambassador Kazuyoshi, who is concluding his tenure in Nigeria, commended the Nigerian Government for its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and noted the progress made during his term. He expressed confidence that the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Japan would continue to flourish under the leadership of both governments.
Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of JICA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in achieving shared development goals. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development initiatives, particularly in sectors where JICA has been actively involved, such as infrastructure and health.
The visit marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Japan, which has seen collaborative efforts in a range of areas, including energy, education, and capacity building. Both parties expressed optimism that the ongoing dialogue will lead to more robust cooperation in the future.
As Vice President Shettima and the delegation concluded their meeting, the spirit of mutual respect and shared interests was palpable, signaling a promising trajectory for Nigeria-Japan relations in the years to come.