Nigeria and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties, following high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, and sustainable development.
The discussions were held during a courtesy visit by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, who chaired the meeting, Minister of State Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Permanent Secretary Deborah Odoh.
Dr Odoh described the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to deepen relations between two of the Global South’s largest emerging economies.
She highlighted Indonesia’s progress in governance reform, economic diversification, and public sector innovation as areas of interest for policy learning and institutional collaboration.
Ambassador Suharto reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, identifying priority areas such as trade and investment, fiscal management, and capacity development.
He also pointed to existing cooperation in agriculture, including livestock initiatives in northern Nigeria, and growing ties in the pharmaceutical sector, where Indonesian companies are establishing manufacturing operations in Lagos.
Looking ahead, the ambassador outlined plans for collaboration in strategic industries, including the potential development of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aviation and maritime assets—an initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional service hub.
Senator Bagudu highlighted Nigeria’s interest in drawing lessons from Indonesia’s economic transformation into a $1.4 trillion economy.
The minister noted that such insights could support the implementation of Nigeria’s forthcoming 2026–2030 National Development Plan and its broader ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy under President Bola Tinubu.
“Indonesia remains a vital partner for Nigeria as we pursue inclusive growth and economic transformation,” Bagudu said, underscoring the role of private sector investment and international collaboration.
Minister of State Uzoka-Anite highlighted shared cultural and economic ties between the two countries, calling for increased engagement and knowledge exchange to translate opportunities into measurable outcomes.
Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation frameworks, expanding investment flows, and advancing strategic partnerships aimed at long-term, sustainable growth.