Nigeria and Indonesia’s bilateral trade has consistently exceeded $3 billion annually, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, has said.
Suharto said the trade relationship had positioned Nigeria among Indonesia’s foremost trading partners in Africa, while calling for stronger economic cooperation between both countries.
He said Nigeria remained an important source of energy for Indonesia, while Indonesian products had become widely used by Nigerian consumers and businesses.
The ambassador said some Indonesian products were also being produced locally in Nigeria, creating opportunities for Nigerian workers and demonstrating the benefits of deeper economic partnerships.
Suharto noted that Nigeria and Indonesia together represented a market of more than 550 million people, with young populations, growing businesses and substantial natural and human resources.
He said the combined economic potential could support increased trade, investment, technology exchange and job creation.
The envoy added that Indonesian companies operating in Nigeria were contributing to the relationship through investments, employment and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said Nigeria was interested in learning from Indonesia’s experience in industrialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation, infrastructure, agriculture, maritime development and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ahmed identified agriculture, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, digital economy and creative industries as areas with significant potential for increased cooperation.
He also called for stronger interaction between businesses, chambers of commerce and financial institutions in both countries.
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