Bilateral trade between Nigeria and Indonesia has consistently exceeded $3 billion annually, according to the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto.
Suharto said the strong trade relationship has positioned Nigeria as one of Indonesia’s foremost trading partners in Africa. He called for greater economic cooperation between both countries, particularly in areas that can support investment, job creation and industrial development.
The ambassador said Nigeria provides an important source of energy that contributes to Indonesia’s energy security, while Indonesian products have become widely used by Nigerian consumers and businesses. He added that some Indonesian products have also become established in Nigeria through local production involving Nigerian workers.
According to Suharto, Nigeria and Indonesia represent a combined market of more than 550 million people, supported by young populations, growing businesses and significant natural and human resources. He said this creates opportunities to expand trade, investment, technology exchange and employment.
Suharto also noted the contribution of Indonesian companies operating in Nigeria through investments, job creation and corporate social responsibility initiatives. He said the countries’ relationship should go beyond trading goods to developing local industries and ensuring that businesses and citizens in both countries benefit from the partnership.
He further highlighted educational and cultural cooperation, including scholarship programmes that have enabled Nigerian students to study in Indonesia and build long-term connections between the two countries.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said Nigeria was interested in drawing from Indonesia’s experience in industrialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation, infrastructure development, agriculture, maritime development and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ahmed said stronger cooperation could help Nigeria increase local productive capacity, strengthen value chains, facilitate technology transfer and attract sustainable investment. He called for increased interaction among the private sectors, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and business communities of both countries.
The permanent secretary identified agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, the digital economy and creative industries as sectors with significant potential for increased trade and investment.
He also urged both countries to address practical challenges affecting bilateral commerce, including market access, business information and the facilitation of contracts between companies in Nigeria and Indonesia.
SOURCE: PUNCH
