Nigeria-Indonesia Trade Exceeds $3bn Annually, Envoy Says

Nigeria and Indonesia’s bilateral trade has consistently exceeded $3bn annually, Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, has said.

Suharto said the trade relationship had made Nigeria one of Indonesia’s major trading partners in Africa, while calling for stronger cooperation in trade, investment and technology.

“Our bilateral trade has consistently surpassed USD 3 billion annually, cementing Nigeria’s position as one of Indonesia’s foremost trading partners in Africa,” he said.

The ambassador said Nigeria also plays an important role in Indonesia’s energy security, while Indonesian products have gained a strong presence among Nigerian consumers and businesses.

He noted that some Indonesian products were now being produced locally in Nigeria, creating jobs and demonstrating that the relationship could extend beyond the exchange of goods.

Suharto said the two countries jointly represented a market of more than 550 million people, supported by young populations, growing businesses and significant natural and human resources.

He identified investment, technology transfer, employment and industrial development as areas where both countries could deepen cooperation.

Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said Nigeria was interested in Indonesia’s experience in industrialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation, infrastructure, agriculture, maritime development and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Ahmed called for stronger links between the private sectors, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and business communities of both countries.

He identified agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, the digital economy and creative industries as sectors with significant potential for increased trade and investment.

Nigeria, he added, also wants both countries to address practical challenges around market access, business information, connectivity and contract facilitation.