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By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and Indonesia are seeking to deepen their economic relationship by expanding annual trade of more than $3 billion through increased investment, technology transfer, local production and stronger business partnerships.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, disclosed this in Abuja at a reception organised by the Indonesian Embassy to mark Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary.
Suharto described Nigeria as one of Indonesia’s major trading partners in Africa, saying the existing relationship provided room for both countries to expand cooperation.
“Our bilateral trade has consistently surpassed USD 3 billion annually, cementing Nigeria’s position as one of Indonesia’s foremost trading partners in Africa,” he said.
According to the ambassador, the relationship already affects the daily lives of citizens in both countries, with Nigeria supplying energy that contributes to Indonesia’s energy security, while Indonesian products are widely used by Nigerian consumers and businesses.
He noted that some Indonesian-linked products are also manufactured locally in Nigeria, helping to create jobs and support domestic industries.
Suharto said the two countries, with a combined population of more than 550 million people, have young populations, growing businesses and significant natural and human resources that could support stronger economic ties.
“These elements provide a powerful foundation for expanding trade, investment, technological exchange, and employment opportunities,” he said.
The ambassador also highlighted the role of Indonesian companies operating in Nigeria, saying their activities go beyond investment and employment to include corporate social responsibility programmes.
He commended Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, Primera Food Nigeria Ltd, Tempo Scan Pacific, Glorious Dexa Mandaya Ltd and Orange Kalbe Ltd for their contributions to the relationship between both countries and their support for the anniversary reception.
Suharto said the objective should not be limited to increasing trade figures but should ensure that businesses, industries and communities in both countries benefit directly from the partnership.
“Our ultimate ambition is not simply to trade more, but to cultivate a resilient partnership in which businesses on both sides thrive, local industries develop, and our people directly reap the benefits of the opportunities we create together,” he said.
He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Africa, describing the continent as an important partner.
Suharto pointed to initiatives such as the Indonesia-Africa Forum as platforms for expanding cooperation in sectors including energy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and human-resource development.
He also highlighted educational and cultural exchanges between both countries, noting that Indonesian scholarship programmes have provided opportunities for Nigerian students to study in Indonesia and build lasting connections.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who represented the Federal Government at the event, said Nigeria was interested in transforming its longstanding relationship with Indonesia into a broader economic partnership.
He identified Indonesia’s experience in industrialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation, infrastructure, agriculture, maritime development and small and medium-sized enterprise development as areas from which Nigeria could learn.
“Nigeria is particularly interested in expanding cooperation that can support the development of local productive capacity, strengthen value chains, promote technology transfer, and attract sustainable investment,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary listed agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, the digital economy and creative industries as priority areas for increased cooperation.
He also called for stronger links among businesses, chambers of commerce and financial institutions in Nigeria and Indonesia.
According to him, addressing practical challenges such as market access, access to business information, connectivity and contract facilitation would help unlock greater trade opportunities between both countries.
Beyond trade and investment, he said Nigeria and Indonesia could work more closely on issues affecting the Global South, including reform of the international financial system, sustainable development financing, climate action, food and energy security and global governance.
He also called for closer coordination between Abuja and Jakarta at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms on sustainable development, peace and security, climate change and international law.
On people-to-people relations, the Permanent Secretary advocated greater exchanges among universities, research institutions, cultural organisations and young professionals.
“People-to-people relations remain an essential pillar of sustainable bilateral cooperation,” he said, adding that education, skills development, science, technology and innovation presented further opportunities for collaboration.
The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, meanwhile, urged Nigerian journalists to pay greater attention to Indonesia and help Nigerians better understand the country’s relationship with Nigeria.
Ndace said he had maintained close relations with the Indonesian Embassy for about 15 to 20 years and had visited several Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali.
He recalled that he was nominated in 2014 as the only African journalist to cover the inauguration of then newly elected Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.
“I have done quite a number of research on Indonesia-Nigeria relationship, looked at our unique areas of comparative advantage, even our politics, our economy, and even our political history,” Ndace said.
He said the discussions at the reception highlighted both the historical links and current opportunities between Nigeria and Indonesia.
Ndace described Nigeria as a rising power in Africa and Indonesia as an important power in Asia, saying geographical distance should not prevent closer relations.
“As reporters, as journalists, we must do all to help in shaping positive narrative about Nigeria and Indonesia, and indeed the Global South relationship,” he said.
He urged foreign affairs correspondents to make greater use of the existing relationship by reporting more on Indonesia and helping Nigerians understand the country’s development experience.
The event ultimately highlighted efforts by Nigeria and Indonesia to move their longstanding diplomatic relationship towards deeper economic, technological, educational and people-to-people cooperation.
