Nigeria affirms bilaterial cooperation with Jamaica

Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica Janet Omoleegho Olisa has called for both countries to galvanise their long-standing bilateral cooperation to increase trade between the two nations.

Speaking Monday night on the occasion of Nigeria's 58 independence celebration, Olisa acknowledged that more could be achieved together for the benefit of both countries.

She pointed to the success of reform policies of the present Nigerian administration that allowed the country to leap 24 places to earn a position on the list of 10 most improved economies, according to the World Bank in its 2018 ranking.

"We have recorded success stories in our decades of ties and I look forward with optimism to our efforts to reactivate moribund cooperation and opening new frontiers in our bilateral cooperation," she said.

"I also look forward to more exchange of high-level official visits and engagements between our two countries that will open new vistas of greater collaboration," the high commissioner said.

She cited exchanges in the areas of technical expertise and knowledge sharing in the agricultural sector, as well as educational exchange programmes, trade relations in the oil and gas industry, cultural tourism, movies and the music industry as initiatives Nigeria continue to explore with Jamaica.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who represented the Jamaican Government, said there is added significance to the relationship between Jamaica and Nigeria. She said cultural connection remains strong, while there are efforts to collaborate in the areas of energy, trade, health and education.