AbdulRazaq seeks stronger Nigeria-Ghana trade ties
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana to expand trade, promote industrial development and deepen regional integration.
AbdulRazaq said the two countries had maintained cordial political relations over the years, adding that closer economic ties would create more opportunities for trade and mutual development.
The governor spoke when Ghanaian President John Mahama, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, paid a courtesy visit to Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin before proceeding to Offa for the maiden convocation of the University of Offa.
He advocated the establishment of a common currency for the English-speaking West African countries, similar to the monetary arrangement among French-speaking countries in the region. He also called for a clear implementation timeline for the proposed currency, saying it could mark a significant milestone in regional economic integration.
In addition, AbdulRazaq identified the Trans-West African Highway and the Abidjan-Lagos Coastal Road as critical infrastructure projects that could improve connectivity, ease the movement of goods and services, and facilitate trade among West African countries.
Turning to opportunities for cooperation between Kwara and Ghana, the governor called for greater collaboration in cocoa production, processing and management. He noted that Kwara was among Nigeria’s cocoa-producing states and could benefit from Ghana’s experience in developing and sustaining its position as a leading global cocoa producer.
In his remarks, Mahama agreed on the need to strengthen trade relations between Ghana and Nigeria, expressing support for economic cooperation that extends beyond the political framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Other members of the Ghanaian delegation included the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, Simon Madjie; and the Head of Political and Economic Affairs at the Ghanaian High Commission, Dr. Tenewa Asamoah, among others.
