- Nigeria has called for increased Japanese investment in renewable energy, solid minerals and other strategic sectors.
- The Federal Government says ongoing economic reforms have created a more attractive environment for foreign investors.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s strategic partnership with Japan and called for increased Japanese investment in renewable energy, solid minerals and other key sectors of the economy.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the call while receiving the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, in Abuja.
Akume said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve foreign exchange management, attract foreign direct investment and promote private sector-led growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that 57 Japanese companies currently operate in Nigeria and expressed confidence that more investors would enter the country as the business environment continues to improve. “We encourage greater participation of Japanese investors in Nigeria. With the ongoing reforms and improved investment environment, Nigeria offers enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships,” Akume said.
He commended the Japanese government for supporting Nigeria through technical cooperation, infrastructure development, healthcare, agriculture, education, disaster management, humanitarian assistance and capacity-building programmes. He also praised the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for financing and implementing critical infrastructure projects across the country.
Akume urged both countries to strengthen collaboration in renewable energy, clean technology, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. He said Japan’s technological expertise would support Nigeria’s energy transition objectives.
The SGF also called for the expansion of Japanese scholarship programmes, technical training and knowledge transfer initiatives to develop the skills of Nigeria’s growing youth population.
In addition, he urged both countries to deepen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, border management and disaster risk reduction.
Akume identified Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as another major investment opportunity. He said recent reforms have created a transparent and predictable legal framework that supports long-term investment in strategic minerals.
“We want Japanese businesses to take advantage of the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The legal framework has been strengthened, the investment environment is improving, and we are committed to supporting genuine investors within the ambit of our laws,” he said.
Speaking during the meeting, Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Hideo commended the economic and fiscal reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. He said higher foreign exchange reserves, a more stable naira and improved macroeconomic conditions have strengthened investor confidence and created a more favourable business environment.
He added that improvements in Nigeria’s sovereign credit ratings demonstrate growing international confidence in the country’s economic direction.
According to the ambassador, Japan has continued to communicate these positive developments to its government and private sector. Suzuki also said the recent visit of Takayuki Kobayashi, Chairman of the Policy Research Council of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, has renewed Japanese interest in expanding trade and investment relations with Nigeria.
He stressed that Japan views Nigeria as a long-term strategic partner and remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding investment and supporting sustainable economic development in both countries.