The meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Terence Quick, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja, as well as the business mission under the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held these last two days in Lagos, have created a new momentum in the diplomatic, political and economic relations between Greece and Nigeria. It was the first official Greek ministerial visit after five decades.
At the meeting between Mr. Quick and Mr. Onyeama issues of international and bilateral interest were discussed. More precisely, agreement was reached to start political consultations, following a proposal made by the Greek Deputy Minister. The Ministers also agreed on the presence of a link in the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that the collaborations resulting from the B2B meetings, between Greek businessmen and their Nigerian colleagues in Lagos, can proceed smoothly.
Speaking to the Nigerian media, Mr Quick underscored that Greece acknowledges the efforts the Nigerian Government has made to counter terrorism. Indeed, he described it as a key player in the consolidation of security and development, not only in its own country, but also in the wider Sub-Saharan African region.
For his part, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, praising the Greek government, remarked that his country can learn a great deal from the way in which Greece, over the past 10 years, has transformed and rebuilt its economy to the benefit of its people. He also spoke very warmly of the Greek business firms, which have been active in Nigeria since the beginning of the last century, and of the strength of Greek shipping.
"With regard to the business mission, a product of collaboration between the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and the Greek-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, the owners and representatives of the companies that came to Lagos were particularly pleased with the results of the B2B meetings", said Mr Quick, adding: "It is very important to help and encourage the openness of Greek businesses, and especially in developing markets such as in Sub-Saharan Africa, for it is self-evident that such actions make a major contribution to parent companies established in our country."
Nigeria is classified as a mixed economy, according to the World Bank, with abundant natural resources, developed economic sectors, telecommunications, transport and a stock exchange representing the second largest in Africa. It is ranked 30th in the world in terms of GDP, which for the year 2016 was estimated by the IMF to 1.166 trillion US dollars (22nd worldwide), the biggest of any African country. In 2011, Citigroup reported that Nigeria will have the largest average GDP growth in the world between 2010-2050. It represents, finally, the 12th largest oil producer in the world, and the 8th largest exporter.
November 7, 2018