By: Mercy Peter
Nigeria and Tunisia have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through strategic partnerships and renewed cooperation across key sectors.
This follows announcements at the 8th Financing Investment and Trade in Africa (FITA) Conference 2025 in Tunis.
The Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding collaborations with Tunisia in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, ICT, and the creative industries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu therefore emphasized the urgent need to resuscitate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalize a Military Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.
She stressed the importance of a Visa-Free Agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.
The minister proposed the creation of a Nigeria-Tunisia Business Council and called for joint ventures in pharmaceutical manufacturing and renewable energy.
Other key areas highlighted include climate-smart agriculture, fintech, innovation hubs, and digital literacy programs.
Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Foreign Service Reform and Innovation,Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister called on Tunisian and international investors to leverage Nigeria’s evolving economic environment and business-friendly policies.
“Nigeria is not just ready for business—it is already doing business,”
Akinremi described Nigeria as a “business incubator,” citing recent improvements in ease of doing business, security, and capital repatriation. “Peace has returned, investors are thriving, and Nigeria’s market remains one of the most lucrative in Africa,”
The Nigerian delegation at FITA included Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; and Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), all of whom reinforced Nigeria’s position as a premier investment destination.
With the upcoming Joint Commission, both nations aim to remove bottlenecks hindering trade, finalize investment protection frameworks, and work together under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to bolster Africa’s presence in the global economy.
