Nigeria reaffirms commitment to strengthening partnership with Indonesia
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to deepening ties with Indonesia, emphasizing the significant economic potential and opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
This commitment was highlighted during the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, which took place from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, led the Nigerian delegation at the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Joint Leaders Session.
Minister Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with Indonesia, emphasizing that both regions stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
“The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” stated Minister Idris. “Nigeria is committed to leveraging our shared strengths and resources to focus on critical pillars such as economic transformation, energy and mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. These are the foundations upon which our future cooperation will be built, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth that is beneficial to all our nations.”
The forum highlighted the substantial economic and demographic potential of Africa and Indonesia, which together represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion.
The event brought together heads of state, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from across the regions to discuss economic cooperation, address global challenges, and explore avenues for mutual sustainable growth and development.
Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 was also a key focus of the discussions.
Minister Idris highlighted President Tinubu’s comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development at the national level, as well as his efforts to enhance regional trade, infrastructure, and political stability through his leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was noted as a critical driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization.
The event, which was attended by delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African countries, also paid homage to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the foundation for Asia-Africa relations.
The meeting called for increased interaction between the continents in terms of trade, investment, and development cooperation. It was emphasized that Africa should move beyond being merely an exporter of raw materials to becoming a center of production, with specific recognition given to the trans-Saharan gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.
The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to strengthen economic ties between Indonesia and African nations. The forum facilitates dialogue, fosters partnerships, and promotes sustainable development through collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy.
