Foreign news

Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

November 27, 2025

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.

Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.

Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.

According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.

Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.

He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.

“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.

He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.

He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.

Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.

He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.

Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.

He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.

“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said

Culled from NAN

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VON Forum 2026: NTAC DG Yusuf Buba Yakub Highlights Role of Technical Aid Corps in Strengthening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS

Published

6 days ago

April 11, 2026

The Gleamer

…Says Democratic Stability Thrives on an Educated and Skilled Population

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reaffirmed the strong link between democratic stability and the presence of an educated and skilled population.

In a statement signed by the Head, Information & Public RelationsNigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi reveals that the DG made this known during the 2026 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum held on Thursday in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 51st anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The NTAC DG commended the foresight of African leaders, particularly General Yakubu Gowon, whose leadership led to the establishment of ECOWAS through the Lagos Accord.

He also applauded the Voice of Nigeria for sustaining the annual forum, describing it as a strategic platform for policy dialogue and regional reflection.

In his goodwill message—delivered on his behalf by his Media Assistant, Nkem Anyatta-Lafia —the DG noted that the theme of this year’s forum, “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” aligns closely with NTAC’s mandate of promoting education, empowerment, and skills transfer across ECOWAS member states and beyond.

“It is a profound honour to stand before this distinguished assembly of thinkers, policymakers, and patriots as we reflect on a milestone that is as much about our shared history as it is about our collective future,” he stated.“For over five decades—nearly four of which NTAC has been in existence—Nigeria has played a leading role in the sub-region, not only through economic and military support but also through the strategic deployment of soft power and human capital development.”

The DG emphasized that democratic stability goes beyond the conduct of elections, stressing that it is rooted in strong institutions, a healthy populace, and an educated workforce.

“For nearly 40 years, NTAC Volunteers—comprising doctors, engineers, teachers, and legal professionals—have advanced these ideals across Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. They serve as Nigeria’s peace ambassadors, strengthening the social and technical foundations of partner nations.”

He further noted that poverty and lack of technical expertise often contribute to political instability, adding that NTAC’s interventions help build resilience and sustain democratic governance across beneficiary countries.

Highlighting the Corps’ achievements, the DG disclosed that over 11,000 Nigerian professionals have been deployed to more than 40 countries worldwide over the past four decades, contributing significantly to development efforts in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D Foreign Policy thrust—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

“This is the mandate NTAC continues to pursue in strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships and reinforcing its leadership role in Africa and beyond,” he added.

He concluded by commending VON for its commitment to fostering dialogue on regional progress and urged stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts in addressing emerging challenges to democracy in the sub-region.

The event, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was attended by prominent dignitaries including the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs; Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede; the Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; as well as representatives of key government institutions, the diplomatic corps, and the military high command.

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