Tinubu to Dutch Firms: Nigeria seeks creative, transformative partnerships with investors for citizens’ benefits

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informs Dutch investors both Nigeria and The Netherlands must explore more creative channels of collaboration, possibly through partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic alliances to connect both markets, and facilitate the flow of goods, services, ideas and peoples

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asserted that bilateral partnerships must be mutually beneficial, transformative, and must translate into real gains for ordinary citizens.

Speaking at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum Thursday, April 25, 2024, in The Hague, Netherlands, President Tinubu stressed the significance of stronger ties between Nigeria and The Netherlands.

The President asserted that both countries must explore more creative channels of collaboration, whether it is through partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic alliances in order to build bridges that connect markets and facilitate the flow of goods, services, ideas and peoples.

The Nigerian leader disclosed that his administration is enhancing the business environment in Nigeria to make it very friendly through various reforms.

According to Tinubu, such measures the Federal Government is taking include “the cleaning up of our foreign exchange market to make it more transparent for seamless business transactions, removal of the fuel subsidy, and the readiness of the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the necessary window to allow foreign companies repatriate their profits, among others.”

President Tinubu affirmed the current improved business milieu in Nigeria is making the country an investor’s paradise.

He, therefore, urged businessmen and women, as well as investors to take advantage of these opportunities for mutually rewarding economic partnerships between Nigeria and The Netherlands.

Significance of Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum, by Tinubu

The Nigerian leader said: “I am delighted and honoured to be at this occasion of the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum.

“This is a platform that symbolises the potential for collaboration and partnership between our two nations.

“It is worthy to note that while this forum seeks to highlight and advance the potential of mutually beneficial partnerships.”

He further noted: “I wish to state here that we must also ensure that the partnerships are creative and transformative in such a manner that the ordinary citizens of our countries can reap verifiable gains.

“It is on record that Nigeria and the Netherlands have established business ties for decades.

“There is every need to re-invigorate this relationship. This is a call for creativity on the part of all of us.”

Going down the memory lane as regards the long history of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands, President Tinubu urged even stronger bonds, not just in diplomacy but in commerce, innovation, and enterprise for mutual  benefits.

“Our countries possess unique strengths and resources.

“It is through collaboration that we can harness these strengths, unlock new opportunities, and drive economic development.

“Together, we have the potential to create synergies that will benefit our present and future generations,” the President stated.

Tinubu also averred: “We must endeavour to replicate the success stories of various Dutch companies and enterprises by learning and sharing their experiences and approaches for the benefit of all.

“As the world braces up for today’s economic challenges, which in many ways affect our two countries, a creative approach to the search for investment-minded solutions will prove to be the most viable path to the level of sustainable development that we all desire.

“In line with the above vision, I believe that we must endeavour to push this narrative into our daily business activities and to move toward industrial value addition, agribusiness, innovative technology, green energy, marine economic expansion, as well as solid minerals exploitation and processing.”

President Tinubu emphasised that relations between Nigeria and The Netherlands would henceforth set a new tone and foundation for stronger economic ties between both countries.

He added: “As we engage in discussions and negotiations today, let us do so with a spirit of openness, trust, and mutual respect.

“Let us listen to one another, learn from each other, and find common ground that will allow us to move forward together in pursuit of our shared prosperity.”