FG restates commitment to boost bilateral cordial relationship with Japanese Govt

Honorable Minister, of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Matsunaga Kazuyoshi during a courtesy call to the latter, today, in Abuja.

By Palma Ileye

In pursuit of the Economic growth of the Nation the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has reaffirmed the commitment of his Ministry to ensure that the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Japan was improved upon.

Bagudu made this known yesterday, in Abuja, after having in audience, the ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, who was on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria and Japan had been collaborating in the areas of Agriculture, Trade, Investment, Technical Aid, and Grants as evidenced by the presence of Japanese Officials and businessmen in Nigeria.

He further stated that businesses between both countries crisscrossed Nigeria’s exportation of agricultural and petrochemical products to Japan and importation from Japan, products such as automotive, ICT, services, and other industrial goods.

He pointed out that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was poised to achieving double-digit growth and single-digit inflation, including concentric diversification of the economy.

The Budget Minister informed that key opportunities in the various sectors by Japanese Private investment include: the Digital Economy, Green and blue economy e.g. Waste Management etc.; Gender-balanced job opportunities, Full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, Reforms in the Culture, Creative, Tourism, and Hospitality Sector, More investments in high-growth sectors, such as agriculture and mining, among others.

He further mentioned that a total sum of N348.1 trillion (US$790.6 billion) investment was required for the implementation of the Plan, adding that out of the total investment requirement, the Government was expected to provide 14.3%, while the balance of 85.7% was expected to be complemented by the Private sector.

The Minister recalled the request of the Japanese to obtain Full Power of Attorney from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the signing of Exchange of Notes for all Grant Aid and Technical Cooperation Projects supported by the Japanese Government.

Briefing the minister, the Japan Ambassador, said that “Nigeria and Japan have been working together for many years in various fields which include Power, Water, and Agriculture, and promise to promote more private investment and also diversify the projects.’’

Also speaking, the Director, of International Corporation, in the Ministry, Dr. Lanre Adekanye, applauded the Japanese government for their continuous collaboration with the Ministry over the development of the country to provide a better life for Nigerians, through the promotion of high-quality and inclusive economic and social development of the country.