Nigeria and Tanzania strengthen economic relations
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania, highlighting their shared goals of continental growth and unity. He underscored the historic bond between the two nations, particularly their joint efforts against apartheid and colonialism.
Shettima made this call on Tuesday during a meeting with former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to a statement by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, titled ‘VP Shettima seeks enhanced cooperation, regional integration with Tanzania,’ the Vice President praised Tanzania’s leadership legacy. He noted, “Tanzania is one of Africa’s success stories, with exceptional leaders from Julius Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, serving as a beacon of hope and stability in East Africa.”
Shettima highlighted the importance of strengthening economic and social ties, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. He also acknowledged Tanzania’s rapid development, bolstered by significant gas reserves, and commended the Tanzanian government for supporting Nigerian businesses such as United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, and Dangote.
Former President Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the National Defence College convocation, expressed Tanzania’s readiness to deepen business and diplomatic relations with Nigeria. He praised the Nigerian National Defence College for its role in training Tanzanian military personnel and expressed hope for expanded collaboration in defense, trade, and diplomacy.
Both leaders agreed on the need to revisit outdated agreements and enhance bilateral relations, reflecting African solidarity. The meeting was attended by the Acting Tanzanian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mrs. Judica Nagunwa; Director of National and Geo-Political Affairs, Akin Oyateru; Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative, Ahmed Baba Mohammed; and Private Secretary to the former President of Tanzania, Medard Ngaiza.
