On Monday, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Indonesia, highlighting the untapped potential for collaboration between the two nations.
This affirmation came during the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. The forum provided a crucial platform for discussing and advancing mutual interests in various economic sectors.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the forum, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, participated in high-level discussions and joint leaders’ sessions. In his address, Idris emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to building a robust partnership with Indonesia.
He outlined Nigeria’s eagerness to leverage the shared strengths of both nations in areas such as economic transformation, energy, mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. Idris described the forum as a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both countries toward a more prosperous future.
Idris noted that Nigeria is committed to focusing on critical pillars of cooperation, including economic transformation and sustainable growth. He underscored the importance of these areas in driving inclusive development that benefits both nations. “The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” Idris stated.
The forum highlighted the economic and demographic significance of Africa and Indonesia, together accounting for over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion. The event brought together heads of state, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation and address global challenges.
A key focus of the discussions was Nigeria’s role in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Idris highlighted President Tinubu’s ambitious agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development. He also noted Tinubu’s leadership in promoting regional trade and stability through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is pivotal for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization.
The forum, which included delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African countries, paid tribute to the Bandung Spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum. This spirit laid the foundation for Asia-Africa relations and continues to inspire efforts to increase trade, investment, and development cooperation between the continents.
Participants also specifically addressed the trans-Saharan gas pipeline projects involving Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.
