Nigeria, Belgium to resuscitate relations – Envoy

Nigeria is set to resuscitate relations with Belgium, particularly in the area of investment initiatives.

Amb. Ahmed Inusa, Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium disclosed this on Tuesday in Brussels.

Inusa who noted the sterling relations between the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the Port of Antwerp in Belgium said it was necessary to boost the once thriving relations in order to further develop the NPA.

“Belgium is a country through which many Imports like cars, spare spares and machinery come into Nigeria.

“It is better to have a framework of action between both ports to strengthen these issues,” He said.

The envoy, however, noted the security concerns regarding the importation of contraband goods shipped through the port of Antwerp to Nigeria.

According to him, It is unacceptable for such imports to flood the country – therefore the Customs Service of both nations would synergies to prevent the occurrence.

While speaking on the strength of bilateral engagement between Nigeria and Belgium, Inusa said that there was not moribund relations excerpt the Bilateral Air Service Agreement ( BASA).

He explained that the non-existence of a national air carrier had stalled the BASA plan with Belgium.

The envoy also noted the growing interest of Belgian investors in Nigeria’s agriculture, solid minerals and leather sectors.

To this end, he said that the investors would undertake a “horizontal trade mission” to Nigeria in 2019 to see the opportunities abound in various sectors.

Belgium and Nigeria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960.