By Olukayode Idowu
Namibia has expressed willingness to collaborate with the incoming Nigeria’s administration to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Speaking at the event marking the 33rd Independence Anniversary of Namibia in Abuja, the High Commissioner of Namibia to the country, Humphrey Geiseb said his country would be eternally grateful to Nigeria for its independence and development.
He said: “Allow me to express our gratitude to H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Government, for working closely with the Government of the Republic of Namibia to strengthen the Namibia-Nigeria bilateral relationship and friendship between our peoples. Namibia also looks forward to a good working relationship with the incoming government of President-Elect H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The envoy said: “During the past three decades, our two countries elaborated many projects and programmes based on the solid foundation provided by friendship initiated during the liberation struggle.
“This year, Namibia will host the 5th Session of the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Commission of Cooperation. This meeting will allow our two countries to review and build on the outcomes of the 4th Session which was held in 2010. Furthermore, there will also be a review of number of Agreements signed during the past decade.”
He added that: “During the past four years, I have witnessed the blossoming of two Charcoal factories owned by Nigerian investors in Namibia. These two companies, Premier Charcoal based in Outjo and King Charcoal in Walvis Bay, are an excellent demonstration of utilising African expertise to develop African raw materials.
“This is indeed a great stepping stone to robust intra-African trade that all African countries will enjoy under the African Continental Free Trade Area. It is our hope, Your Excellency Amb. Zubairu Dada, that you will find time from your busy schedule to visit these two factories during your forthcoming official visit to Namibia.”
He noted that: “Our two countries have worked on more than 10 Agreements that are ready for signature during the 5th Session of our Joint Commission. It is our hope that the Memorandum of Understanding between our Port Authorities, the Namibia Port Authority and the Nigeria Port Authority and our Investment Promotion Agencies, will be concluded.” The High Commissioner said: “A fruitful relationship between our port authorities will facilitate increased trade and allow for more exports from Nigeria to Namibia and vice versa. Namibia currently export salt and electronics to Nigeria. The value of salt export currently stands at USD 6 million.”