President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, is aimed at unlocking over $1bn in trade and investment opportunities.
He said his administration would use Nigeria’s engagement at TICAD9 to accelerate green innovation and industrial growth, expand opportunities for young people, and position the country as the hub and gateway to West Africa’s market.
In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria was not attending the conference as a passive participant but as a continental leader with a clear purpose.
“At #TICAD9, themed ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,’ Nigeria comes with clarity of purpose. Our participation aims to unlock $1Billion+ in trade & investment, drive green innovation & industrial growth, expand opportunities for our youth, and position Nigeria as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market,” the President wrote.
He described the conference as a platform for lasting development and global partnership anchored on technology, talent, and trust, adding, “Nigeria will lead, and Africa will rise.”
TICAD9, jointly organised by the Japanese government and international partners, brings together African leaders, global investors, and multilateral institutions to craft solutions for sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The event marks President Tinubu’s first official visit to Japan since assuming office in May 2023 and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan and attracting private investment to consolidate its role as a leading destination for business in Africa.
PIAK