Nigeria-Vietnam Relations Delivering Results — Amb. Sani Bako
Nigeria’s pioneer Head of Mission to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ambassador Sani Bako, has stated that diplomatic relations between the two countries, which began as political solidarity 50 years ago, have evolved into a partnership delivering results in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
According to him, the partnership deepened with the establishment of resident missions by Nigeria which opened its Embassy in Hanoi, the administrative capital, in 2007, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Abuja in 2008.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Nigeria-Vietnam relations, which began on 25th May 1976, Ambassador Bako said that the volume of trade between the two countries has reached $1 billion as of 2024.
“Vietnam currently exports electronics, garments, textiles, and other consumer goods to Nigeria, while importing crude oil, cashew nuts, and several raw materials,” he said. “Interestingly, the trade balance favours Nigeria.”
He said the time has come for both countries to strengthen economic ties between them through technology transfer, manufacturing, and investment in agricultural.
The envoy said Vietnam has expertise in modern agriculture that Nigeria could leverage.
Ambassador Bako, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria-Vietnam Trade and Cultural Association (NVETCA), said the association has been facilitating private sector engagements to deliver visible partnerships in farming, manufacturing, and other ventures that will strengthen economic ties in the near future.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in a recent meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Quoc Hung, emphasized that Nigeria is opened for business, sa with Vietnam. “Vietnam is a partner we want to grow with,” the President stressed.
Ambassador Bako also noted that Ambassador Hung has called on Nigeria to address lingering visa obstacles affecting officials and business travelers. He pointed out that a 2019 visa waiver agreement reached by both countries has not been fully implemented, adding that resolving this would be critical to sustaining momentum in bilateral relations.
