Nigeria, Pakistan agrees for strengthening bilateral trade, investment ties

Abuja , Nov 28 (APP): Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hosted Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce in a productive meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja (Nigeria).
The discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations. The meeting was also attended by Major General (Retd) Sohail Ahmad Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, underscoring the commitment to high-level diplomatic engagement, said a press release issued here on Friday.
Both sides expressed strong political will to elevate the Nigeria-Pakistan relationship to new heights.
In the meeting include agreement to fast-track the finalization and signing of the Nigeria-Pakistan Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with technical teams directed to conclude outstanding issues in the shortest possible time.
Both sides showed, Commitment to introduce measures for greater ease of visa issuance for Pakistani businesspersons, investors, and tourists traveling to Nigeria, and reciprocal facilitation for Nigerian nationals visiting Pakistan.
An invitation extended on behalf of Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
The two sides also explored opportunities in key sectors including energy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and halal trade, while reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting each other in multilateral forums.
It is pertinent to mention that Nigeria stands as Africa’s largest economy with a GDP of over $477 billion (nominal, 2025 estimates), powered by its vast oil and gas reserves, rapidly expanding services and technology sectors, and a burgeoning consumer market. Home to more than 230 million people – the continent’s biggest population and the world’s sixth-largest – the country possesses an unmatched demographic dividend, with a youthful, dynamic workforce driving entrepreneurship and innovation.
As a founding member of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a leading contributor to peacekeeping missions across Africa, and the political and cultural heartbeat of West Africa, Nigeria wields unparalleled influence on the continent, making it not only the giant of Africa but also an emerging global player whose decisions shape regional stability, trade, and development.
Both nations expressed confidence that these discussions will lead to tangible economic gains and enhanced people-to-people contacts in the near future.