Group advances diplomatic, economic relations between Nigeria, Belgium

The Chairman of the Nigeria-Belgium Friendship Parliamentary Group, Ahmed Adamu Saba, has announced a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Belgium through a series of forward-thinking initiatives. These measures are part of a strategic effort to enhance cooperation in these key areas-trade, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange. Saba, in a statement by his […]

The Chairman of the Nigeria-Belgium Friendship Parliamentary Group, Ahmed Adamu Saba, has announced a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Belgium through a series of forward-thinking initiatives.

These measures are part of a strategic effort to enhance cooperation in these key areas-trade, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

Saba, in a statement by his Technical Adviser, Mr. Lugard Okonobo, outlined the group’s 2025 work plan, which prioritizes fostering mutual understanding and practical collaboration.

The centerpiece of these efforts is the upcoming Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, scheduled for February 2025.

It aims to create new trade opportunities, attract investment, and deepen economic ties. Furthermore, the Expanded Flanders-Nigeria Trade Mission will extend its reach to include more Nigerian states, ensuring equitable regional development.

In education, the Nigeria-Belgium Academic Exchange program will avail students and lecturers participating in semester exchanges and joint research efforts in areas such as climate change and technology. Additionally, the Nigeria Arts and Culture Festival, scheduled for August 2025, will serve as a platform to celebrate Nigerian traditions, arts, and cuisine, fostering cultural appreciation between the two nations of Nigeria and Belgium.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Dr. Ahmed Adamu Saba stated, “This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria-Belgium relations by building on our shared interests and creating impactful programs, we can deepen our partnership for mutual benefit across cultural, educational, and economic spheres.”

The Nigeria-Belgium Friendship Parliamentary Group has outlined a comprehensive framework to ensure these initiatives to yield measurable outcomes, strengthening bilateral relations, expand trade volumes, increase academic and cultural collaboration.

Mr. Lugard Okonobo, Technical Adviser to Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba explained further that friendship group shall explore all opportunities within the cooperatives financial sector to support the development of trade, start-ups and agriculture reference to the activities of the International Cooperatives Alliance-ICA global headquarters of cooperative situated in Belgium, as well as the European Union (EU) and Africa Caribbean Pacific States-ACP Headquarters at Belgium.