Luanda:Nigerian Ambassador Maxy Ogbede announced that Nigerian businesspeople are ready to invest in Angola, focusing on sectors like agriculture, the car industry, and oil and gas to enhance trade and development between the two nations.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Ambassador Ogbede described the current volume of trade between Nigeria and Angola as quite low, with Nigeria primarily exporting consumer food products to Angola. The ambassador attributed this to language barriers, limited shipping connections, and costly air transport, which hinder the exchange of goods and services. He expressed hope that prominent Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote might invest in Angola soon.
In light of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, Ambassador Ogbede pledged to advance commercial partnerships and strengthen bilateral relations with Angola. He noted Nigeria's resilience and unity over the years, emerging as one of Africa's strongest economies despite challenges like a civil war and current security issues posed by terrorist organizations.
The ambassador stated that cooperation with Angola is excellent, though he advocates for increased exchanges in commerce, education, health, agriculture, culture, and tourism. He emphasized the need to implement existing memorandums of understanding and finalize further agreements for enhanced collaboration.
Both nations are members of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, sharing responsibilities in safeguarding the maritime area from piracy and transnational crimes. Nigeria is also closely monitoring Angola's progress in its democratic process and infrastructural developments, praising the recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art conference center in Angola.
