The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment in deepening bilateral trade and economic relations with the Republic of Uganda through the revitalization of the Nigeria–Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC)
Receiving the Special Envoy from Uganda led by the Senior Presidential Advisor to the President of Uganda on Exports and Industry, Odrek Rwabwoyo on Tuesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Senator George Akume, emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s diversity and growing population to drive sustainable growth and development.
He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu are focused on private sector-led growth, ease of doing business, infrastructural development and investment promotion.
The Nigerian official highlighted efforts made by the Nigerian Government to streamline taxation, unify foreign exchange mechanisms, improve transportation networks in order to create a more competitive business environment.
He stressed that value addition to Africa’s natural resources remains critical for industrialization, job creation and economic transformation across the continent.
Earlier, the Uganda’s Senior Presidential Advisor on Exports and Industry, Odrek Rwabwoyo, highlighted the country’s vast economic potentials as producers of coffee, dairy products, livestock and cotton.
He therefore invited Nigerian Investors to explore opportunities in agro-processing, textile manufacturing, mineral beneficiation and other value added industries.
Speaking also at the meeting, the Ugandan Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Bahati David emphasised the need to deepen bilateral trade and economic relations through the establishment of a Nigeria-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
He also welcomed discussions on easing visa requirements, particularly for holders of official and diplomatic passports, while expressing hope for a future where Africans can travel freely across the continent without visas.
The minister called for the renewal of expired Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Uganda in areas such as education and defence and proposed new agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation to encourage greater business collaboration.
He further stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging African countries to leverage their comparative advantages rather than depend on imports from outside the continent.
GIK/APA