By Sunday Oyinloye
Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has pledged its support to work with relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of both countries to set up the Nigeria-Chad Joint Business Council.
The Council is expected to serve as a platform for the development of stronger commercial ties and the improvement of bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries.
The establishment of the Joint Business Council is expected to foster bilateral relations between key public and private sector stakeholders in both countries and drive the actualisation of tangible investments which will drive economic growth and development.
In a Press Release signed by Daniel Awurum ,Head, Press & Protocol of NIPC, a copy of which was made available to Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, this was the outcome of a meeting between the management of NIPC and a high powered business delegation from the Republic of Chad led by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad, Sadique Abubakar and his counterpart, Ambassador of Chad to Nigeria, Abakar Saleh Chahaimi in Abuja on weekend.
Ag. Executive Secretary/CEO, NIPC, Mr Emeka Offor said, “NIPC will facilitate the setting up of the Joint Business Council in accordance with our mandate to encourage, promote and coordinate investments in the country.”
Making case for setting up the Joint Business Council, Ambassador of Chad to Nigeria, Abakar Saleh Chahaimi said both countries recognise the potential value of the informal trade activities across their borders adding “there is, therefore, the need to formalise business activities between both countries,”
He further suggested that NIPC should translate its Book of States to the French language. This is to enable Chadian businessmen to understand and appreciate Nigeria’s investment environment.
On his part, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad, Sadique Abubakar stated that he has been particularly interested in increasing the trade and investment between both countries, since he assumed office in January 2021.
Ambassador Sadique who was Nigeria’s former Chief of Air Staff said, “I think we can also look forward to how we can promote trade through cargo flights between both countries.”
Trade and investment relationship between Nigeria and Chad which are majorly informal predates the political independence of both countries.
