The Nigerian auto dealers in Angola have received assurances from the Federal Government that their investments and interests will receive stronger protection.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Thursday while inspecting facilities at Cidade De Motores (City of Engines), Golf 2, Luanda, where the Nigerian Auto Parts Dealers Association runs a major market.
The minister was in Angola to attend the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Nigerian traders and described the project as evidence of the pioneering spirit of Nigerians and an example of what Nigerian entrepreneurs can build outside the country.
She said the Federal Government would prioritise the protection of Nigerian-owned businesses during future bilateral discussions with Angola, particularly at the next Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission.
The minister also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living and working abroad.
According to her, the Federal Government has already taken steps to support Nigerians facing difficulties in other countries.
She urged the Nigerian auto dealers in Angola to comply with local laws and maintain their reputation as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
She also encouraged the traders to use the market as an example of unity and inclusiveness, while warning against divisions based on ethnicity.
“We are very proud of you, having seen the worth of the enormous investment you have put on ground. We do not want a situation where people will invest and later some phony stories would be told about their investment,” she said.
The minister specifically warned the traders against discrimination based on ethnic identity.
“There should be no room for tribalism,” she said.
Earlier, the President of the United Auto Parts Dealers Association, Mr Chuks Ukachi, thanked the minister for visiting the market despite her official commitments in Angola.
Ukachi explained that the market was established after Angolan authorities stopped Nigerian traders from conducting business along the roadside. According to him, the restriction left many Nigerian traders without business for about two years.
He said the market is open to both Nigerians and Angolans interested in the auto spare parts trade.
Ukachi added that the facility was also created to promote a positive image of Nigeria and demonstrate the contribution Nigerian entrepreneurs can make to the Angolan economy.
“This is an open market; it is open for every Nigerian. In fact, it is for all of us,” Ukachi said.
The association appealed to the Federal Government to provide further support towards securing and protecting the market, which represents a significant investment by Nigerian entrepreneurs in Angola.
The appeal comes as the government seeks to strengthen its engagement with Nigerians living and doing business abroad. Protecting businesses established by Nigerians in other countries remains an important part of promoting their economic interests and strengthening bilateral relations.
For the traders at Cidade De Motores, continued government support could provide greater confidence as they expand their operations and deepen their contribution to the auto spare parts market in Angola.
The Federal Government’s assurance also signals that the protection of Nigerian-owned businesses could feature more prominently in future discussions between Abuja and Luanda.
Do you think stronger government support can help Nigerian businesses abroad expand while improving Nigeria’s economic influence in other African countries?
Comments are closed.