Nigeria has proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-Japan Industrial and Investment Hub to strengthen economic cooperation, attract investment and promote technology transfer as both countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the proposal during a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, in Abuja.

The proposed hub is intended to create opportunities for industrial development, facilitate investment and strengthen economic collaboration between the two countries.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called for stronger cooperation in the energy sector, alongside sustained dialogue on consular matters, particularly visa-related challenges affecting businesspeople, students and tourists travelling between Nigeria and Japan.

In response, Ambassador Suzuki described Nigeria as a strategic African giant and assured that visa-related concerns would be addressed expeditiously.

The discussions underscored the importance of improving bilateral relations beyond diplomatic engagement by translating existing agreements into tangible economic benefits for both countries.

As Nigeria and Japan commemorate 66 years of diplomatic relations, the proposed industrial and investment hub represents an opportunity to expand commercial ties, encourage technology exchange and support industrial growth.

However, the proposal’s implementation details, including its structure, financing and timeline, were not provided in the information available.

Nigeria proposes a joint industrial and investment hub with Japan as both countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations, seeking stronger investment, technology transfer and energy cooperation.