Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana while pledging to address concerns arising from the ongoing commercial dispute over the ownership of River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
The assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, during a meeting with Ghana’s Acting High Commissioner in Abuja.
The meeting focused on the protracted commercial disagreement between a Ghanaian investor and a Nigerian business partner over the ownership of the River Park Estate located along Airport Road, Lugbe.
The Acting High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for granting the delegation an audience at short notice and reaffirmed Ghana’s high regard for its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
She explained that “Ghana considered it necessary to address the matter through diplomatic channels to prevent the commercial dispute from escalating into an issue capable of creating unnecessary public tension between the two countries.”
The envoy also raised concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals connected to the investment, alleging that recent developments surrounding the disputed property had heightened tensions.
She appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate engagement with the relevant Nigerian authorities to ensure the protection of lives, property and investments while legal proceedings continue.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the strong bilateral relationship that has existed between both countries over the years.
He assured the Ghanaian delegation that the Ministry attaches great importance to the welfare of citizens of friendly nations residing in Nigeria and would carefully examine the issues raised.
The Permanent Secretary noted that “although the matter appeared to be commercial and legal in nature, the Ministry would study the information presented, prepare a report and make appropriate recommendations to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
He also assured the delegation that relevant government institutions would be engaged through established diplomatic channels where necessary.
“Nigeria remains committed to the rule of law and the protection of legitimate investments,” Ambassador Ahmed said, while encouraging all parties involved in the dispute to pursue peaceful dialogue and lawful mechanisms to resolve their differences.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue working closely with the Ghana High Commission and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the matter is handled responsibly in a manner that preserves the cordial relations between both countries.
