By Ameh Gabriel Media360Impact – Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has called on the international diplomatic community to support Nigeria’s drive to strengthen economic diplomacy, expand value chains, and boost investments in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
The Minister made these remarks during an Economic Diplomacy Dialogue organized by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The high-level engagement brought together members of the diplomatic corps and Nigerian business leaders to discuss deepening trade and investment relationships.
“NACCIMA is central to what the Tinubu administration is working to achieve trade expansion, food security, and industrial growth,” the Minister stated, adding that “an event that brings diplomats and the private sector together is at the very heart of our foreign policy.”
Underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to strategic autonomy, the Minister noted that the country is open to partnerships with all nations regardless of ideological alignments, provided such relationships contribute to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and value addition.
He cited key sectors such as the garment industry, agriculture, mining, and business process outsourcing as areas with long value chains that must be strategically developed for Nigeria to move from exporting raw materials to manufacturing finished goods.
“From producing synthetics for trainers and sportswear to refining agro-allied inputs Nigeria has the potential to build industries and develop backward integration. This is where diplomatic economic cooperation becomes critical,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, NACCIMA National President, Jani Ibrahim, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with government and international partners to achieve Nigeria’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target by 2030.
“This Economic Diplomacy Dialogue is part of our plan to ensure Nigeria becomes a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Not only is it achievable we believe it’s surpassable,” Jani declared.
He emphasized the need to develop domestic value chains, utilize Nigeria’s abundant resources, and engage the diaspora community in driving global enterprise.
“Nigerians in the diaspora are excelling across sectors worldwide. Their innovation and excellence must be tapped into to complement our local capacity,” Jani said.
On the issue of export expansion, the NACCIMA National president highlighted the need for better regional integration and border facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that efficient trade routes are vital to realizing Nigeria’s export-led growth vision.
“We’re working with the AfCFTA and other frameworks to ensure Nigerian products reach global markets. With our manpower, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, Nigeria is unstoppable,” he concluded.
The event concluded with consensus among diplomats and local stakeholders on the urgent need to build sustainable trade bridges, invest in infrastructure, and promote regional collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential
