In a productive meeting held today at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Abuja, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, hosted Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the
Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce. The discussions focused on enhancing
economic cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and fostering stronger
bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting was also attended by His
Excellency Major General (Retd) Sohail Ahmad Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan
to Nigeria, underscoring the commitment to high-level diplomatic engagement.
Both sides expressed strong political will to elevate the Nigeria-Pakistan
relationship to new heights. Key highlights of the meeting include:
- Agreement to fast-track the finalization and signing of the Nigeria-Pakistan
Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with technical teams directed to conclude outstanding
issues in the shortest possible time.
- Commitment to introduce measures for greater ease of visa issuance for
Pakistani businesspersons, investors, and tourists traveling to Nigeria, and reciprocal
facilitation for Nigerian nationals visiting Pakistan.
- An invitation extended on behalf of His Excellency Shehbaz Sharif, Prime
Minister of Pakistan, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to
undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
The two sides also explored opportunities in key sectors including energy,
agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and halal trade, while
reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting each other in multilateral forums.
Nigeria stands as Africa’s largest economy with a GDP of over $477 billion
(nominal, 2025 estimates), powered by its vast oil and gas reserves, rapidly expanding
services and technology sectors, and a burgeoning consumer market. Home to more
than 230 million people – the continent’s biggest population and the world’s sixth-largest
– the country possesses an unmatched demographic dividend, with a youthful, dynamic
workforce driving entrepreneurship and innovation. As a founding member of ECOWAS,
a leading contributor to peacekeeping missions across Africa, and the political and
cultural heartbeat of West Africa, Nigeria wields unparalleled influence on the continent,
making it not only the giant of Africa but also an emerging global player whose
decisions shape regional stability, trade, and development.
Both nations expressed confidence that these discussions will lead to tangible
economic gains and enhanced people-to-people contacts in the near future.
