FG Pledges Protection For Nigerian Investments In Angola – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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Stella Omona

The Federal Government has assured Nigerian-owned businesses and investors in Angola of its commitment to protecting their investments and promoting the interests of Nigerians living and doing business abroad.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance during a visit to the Cidade De Motores (City of Engines) at Golf 2, Luanda, where Nigerian auto spare parts dealers have established a major market.

The visit took place on the sidelines of the recently concluded 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, in a statement on Thursday, said that Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Nigerian traders for their achievements, describing the market as a reflection of the pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“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,” the minister said.

She assured the traders that the protection of Nigerian businesses in Angola would be given priority in future bilateral engagements between both countries, particularly at the next Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission.

The minister also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to the welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they reside, noting that the Federal Government had continued to take steps to support Nigerians facing challenges in different parts of the world.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the traders to remain law-abiding and continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

She further encouraged them to sustain unity and inclusiveness in the management of the market, warning against ethnic discrimination.

“There should be no room for tribalism,” she said.

Earlier, the President of the United Auto Parts Dealers Association, Mr. Chuks Ukachi, expressed appreciation to the minister for visiting the market despite her busy schedule in Angola.

Ukachi explained that the establishment of the market followed a decision by Angolan authorities that stopped Nigerian traders from operating along the roadside, leaving many of them without business for about two years.

He said the market was designed to accommodate Nigerians and Angolans interested in the auto spare parts business, while also promoting a positive image of Nigeria.

“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 support efforts to secure and protect the market, which it described as a significant investment by Nigerian entrepreneurs in Angola.