The economic collaboration between Nigeria and the Netherlands has yielded a positive result, contributing foreign direct investment worth 9.2 billion euros in 2021.
The revelation came on the heels of signing for renewal and extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the Netherlands on politics, economics, and migration/consular.
Jessica Odudu, a senior policy advisor with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in a statement obtained by the Nigerian Tribune Tuesday in Abuja that the visit to Nigeria of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister for Migration illustrates these ties.
She noted that the renewal of the MoU that ran from 2018 to 2023 was a crucial element in the bilateral engagement the two ministers have had with Nigerian officials.
According to her, the Netherlands and Nigeria enjoy strong bilateral relations that date back to 1593, adding that the two countries work closely together on a wide range of issues, notably political, economic, and migration.
“This flourishing economic collaboration, contributing foreign direct investment of NL in Nigeria of 9.2 billion euros in 2021, has potential for further growth,” Odudu said.
The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, hosted the bilateral meeting with a delegation from the Netherlands led by the Minister of Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Eric van der Burg, earlier on Monday in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to reaffirm the commitment of both countries to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, which pose serious threats to the security, welfare, and dignity of Nigerian citizens and the nation at large.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, who was represented by the Director of Joint Services, Mr Peter Egbodo, said she was pleased to welcome the Dutch counterparts and exchange views and experiences on how to address the challenges of migration humanely and effectively.
“We look forward to renewing our Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and enhancing our bilateral relations,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary further pointed out that several agencies and institutions had been established and charged with specific responsibilities to deal with issues of migration, and that the Nigerian government was strengthening its travel documents to prevent forgery and fraud that could facilitate illegal migration.
Meanwhile, Jessica Odudu, a senior policy advisor with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, disclosed that the Netherlands and Nigeria enjoyed strong bilateral relations that date back to 1593.
Odudu noted that the MoU renewal signified more than a business partnership, saying it symbolises dynamic cooperation and that together, both countries would strive for positive impact and partner in joint challenges, fostering positive socio-economic change.
She said: “The visit to Nigeria of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Minister for Migration illustrates these ties.
“The Netherlands is committed to contributing to sustainable stability and prosperity in Nigeria by creating improved opportunities for trade, investment, and socio-economic and political participation.
“The Netherlands strives to do so through political, economic, and migration cooperation between the Netherlands and Nigeria, thereby also fostering a positive influence on the wider region.
“Guided by this mission, the Netherlands seeks to contribute through various means, notably bilateral engagement. The renewal of the MoU that ran from 2018 to 2023 is a crucial element in this bilateral engagement.
“The Netherlands reaffirms its commitment to the longstanding partnership with Nigeria, exemplifying a dedication to joint priorities, areas of mutual interest, and shared challenges.
“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant step in strengthening our cooperation. The signing signifies an extension of the MoU, which was first signed in 2018.
“The MoU sets out three areas of our cooperation that we significantly engage in, notably: politics, economics, and migration/consular. The MoU lays the basis for the annual consultations that the countries will have, delving into these three fields.