The Federal Government on Monday urged Japanese investors to deepen their footprint in the country’s economy as officials signaled an interest in broadening bilateral ties.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the appeal during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Hideo in Abuja.
Akume reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Japan and called for increased investment in critical sectors, without specifying target industries.
The visit indicates government’s drive to attract foreign capital as the government pursues economic reforms aimed at boosting growth and infrastructure development.
Japan is a long-standing partner for Nigeria in areas such as development assistance and technology transfer; officials in both capitals have in recent years explored ways to expand trade and private-sector ties.
Ambassador Suzuki, who was on a short diplomatic call, praised the bilateral relationship and affirmed Japan’s interest in engaging with Nigerian authorities, according to a statement from the SGF’s office.
He said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had improved the ease of doing business, strengthened macroeconomic stability and created a more attractive environment for foreign investment.
The SGF disclosed that 57 Japanese companies currently operate in Nigeria, expressing optimism that more firms would establish operations in the country.
“We encourage greater participation of Japanese investors in Nigeria. Nigeria offers enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
Akume commended Japan for its continued support to Nigeria through technical cooperation, infrastructure development, healthcare, agriculture, education and humanitarian assistance, while acknowledging JICA’s role in funding critical projects.
He called for stronger collaboration in renewable energy, clean technology, climate resilience, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, saying Japan’s expertise would support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
The SGF also appealed for expanded Japanese scholarship programmes, technical training and knowledge transfer initiatives, noting that such programmes would benefit Nigeria’s growing youthful population.
On security, Akume appreciated Japan’s support for peace building efforts, particularly in the North-East, and sought deeper cooperation in maritime security, counter terrorism, cybersecurity, border management and disaster risk reduction.
Highlighting opportunities in the solid minerals sector, he assured Japanese investors that ongoing reforms had created a transparent legal framework for long-term investment.
“We want Japanese businesses to take advantage of the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector,” he stated.
Ambassador Suzuki Hideo in his his response praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, saying improved foreign exchange reserves, stronger credit ratings and a more stable economy had boosted investor confidence.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to expanding long term trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
