SGF Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Stronger Economic, Strategic Partnership with Japan
Oru Leonard
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), of Nigeria, Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with Japan by expanding economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade, and attracting more Japanese investments into key sectors of the economy.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, in Abuja on Monday, Akume said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to implement far-reaching economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving the business environment, promoting macroeconomic stability, encouraging private-sector growth, and attracting foreign direct investment.
The SGF noted that the reforms have created new opportunities for international investors and disclosed that dozens of Japanese companies are already operating successfully in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that more Japanese firms would establish operations in the country as investor confidence continues to grow.
Akume urged Japanese businesses to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and the solid minerals sector, assuring them of the government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly business environment.
He also praised the Government of Japan for its sustained support to Nigeria through development partnerships spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and technical cooperation. The SGF specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), describing its interventions as vital to Nigeria’s development agenda.
The SGF further advocated enhanced collaboration in clean energy, climate resilience, technology transfer, capacity building, and scholarship programmes to empower Nigeria’s growing youth population.
On security, Akume commended Japan’s support for peace-building and humanitarian efforts, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East, while calling for stronger cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, border management, and disaster risk reduction to promote regional stability and sustainable development.
In his remarks, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo applauded the Tinubu administration’s economic and fiscal reforms, noting that improvements in foreign exchange management, investor confidence, and Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook have strengthened the country’s appeal as an investment destination.
He added that Nigeria’s improving sovereign credit ratings have further enhanced international confidence and have been communicated to the Japanese Government as evidence of the country’s positive economic trajectory.
The Ambassador also revealed that the recent visit of the Chairman of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, Takayuki Kobayashi, had renewed Japan’s interest in expanding engagement with Nigeria.
According to him, Japan remains committed to building a long-term partnership with Nigeria based on mutual trust, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries, senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials of the Japanese Embassy.
