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Tag: Japan

  • Six Asian countries with cheapest visa fees for Nigerians

    Six Asian countries with cheapest visa fees for Nigerians

    For many Nigerians, the cost of securing a visa is often the first major obstacle when planning an international trip. This financial hurdle, combined with other travel expenses, can make the idea of exploring new countries seem more like a dream than a possibility.

    Several Asian countries offer affordable visa options that make international travel more accessible for Nigerians.

    Here are six Asian countries with cheapest visa fees:

    1. Japan:

    Japan is one of the most budget-friendly countries in terms of visa fees, charging ₦12,500. The Japanese visa process is quite strict: applicants must book an appointment well in advance and submit their documents in person at the Embassy in Abuja. These documents include a valid passport, a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, proof of sufficient funds, and confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. Even minor applicants must appear in person to submit their documents, though appointments for them can be scheduled by a parent or guardian.

    2. Vietnam:

    Vietnam is another affordable option, offering a single-entry visa for ₦37,500. This same fee also applies to children under the age of 14. Nigerian travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, and they are required to show financial proof and a completed application form. Attention to detail is crucial, as errors or missing documents could lead to delays.

    3. Singapore:

    In Singapore, the visa costs ₦45,000, and the application is handled online. Payment must be made with a Visa or MasterCard, and applicants need to upload their valid passport, a recent photograph, proof of financial means, and a detailed travel itinerary. Although the standard processing time is three working days, some applications may take longer, especially if additional documents are required based on the travel purpose.

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    4. South Korea:

    South Korea’s visa process is a bit more involved. A short-term single-entry visa costs ₦60,000, while longer visits cost ₦90,000. The application requires a valid passport, photo, financial statements, hotel reservations, return ticket, and a valid Nigerian identification document issued within the last five years. Processing typically takes between 10 to 15 business days. As with many other countries, visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

    5. Thailand:

    Thailand offers a tourist e-visa for ₦65,000. Applicants need to provide standard travel documents along with a police clearance certificate and a drug clearance certificate. A confirmed return ticket, accommodation proof, and a completed application form are also necessary. Applications should be made four to six weeks before the travel date but not more than three months in advance.

    6. Sri Lanka:

    Sri Lanka charges ₦75,000 for a double-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Nigerian travellers must submit a valid passport, passport photograph, travel itinerary, and proof of financial means such as a bank statement. All visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it’s important to ensure that every document is complete and correct before applying.

  • Japan grants Nigeria $30 million for start-up hubs in Abuja

    Japan grants Nigeria $30 million for start-up hubs in Abuja

    In a major boost to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have signed a $30 million grant agreement to establish Start-Up Hubs in Abuja. The landmark initiative underscores Japan’s continued commitment to economic cooperation and sustainable development across Africa.

    The project comprises two key components. The first is the development of a cutting-edge Start-Up Hub, valued at $9.9 million, to be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    The second component, worth $21 million, is the Project for the Development of a Supporting Environment for Social Start-ups in Nigeria, which will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

    Aimed at fostering innovation and supporting emerging enterprises, the project will deliver a world-class facility equipped with advanced digital technologies and collaborative workspaces.

    It also seeks to strengthen linkages across the start-up ecosystem, promoting job creation, industrial diversification, and solutions to social challenges through innovation.

    The funds—allocated with provisions for contingencies—will be disbursed in phases through 2030 and will cover infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and consultancy services.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, igned the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, signed on behalf of the Japanese government.

    “This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations,” Senator Bagudu said. “It reflects our shared vision for innovation-driven economic growth and youth empowerment.”

    According to the agreement, Japanese suppliers will be prioritized for primary contracts, though products and services may also be sourced locally.

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    NITDA, as the project’s lead implementing agency, will oversee key responsibilities, including securing regulatory approvals, providing utility infrastructure, and ensuring environmental compliance and safety during the construction phase.

    NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the agency’s ongoing partnership with JICA, particularly through the iHatch initiative, which has already generated over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.

    “We are now expanding this initiative across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Inuwa noted. “Through a six-month incubation program, iHatch equips startups with the tools and mentorship they need to launch market-ready products, leveraging JICA’s global expertise.”

    Inuwa also highlighted joint efforts to strengthen ties between Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems by facilitating exchange programs and sponsoring Nigerian startups to attend international events in Japan.

    Last month, both agencies launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja—an intensive five-day training designed to empower women entrepreneurs and promote an inclusive digital economy.

    Once completed, the Abuja Start-Up Hub is expected to become a nucleus for creative entrepreneurs and digital innovators, solidifying the city’s position as a technology powerhouse in West Africa.

    Implementation of the project begins in April 2025 and will run through December 2030. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation.

    In line with JICA’s operational framework, monthly progress updates will be submitted, and a comprehensive final report is expected within six months after project completion.

  • Nigeria, Japan sign $30.9m deal to boost startup ecosystem

    Nigeria, Japan sign $30.9m deal to boost startup ecosystem

    Nigeria and Japan have formalised two grant agreements totaling approximately $30.9 million. 

    The deals were sealed at the signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes and Draft Agreement in Abuja, where senior officials from both countries pledged to collaborate on projects aimed at accelerating startup development and addressing pressing social issues through entrepreneurship.

    The first initiative, The Project for the Development of the Start-up Hub in Abuja, will be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with a Japanese grant of $9.9 million. 

    The second, The Project for the Development of Supporting Environment for Startups Addressing Social Challenges, will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and funded with a $21 million grant from Japan. 

    In a show of ownership and commitment, the NSIA will make a substantial financial contribution to this project.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, confirmed the Federal Government’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Embassy of Japan, and by extension, the Japanese government. 

    He said the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria as a hub for innovation, enterprise, and inclusive development.

    Bagudu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Japan’s long-standing support through JICA and the Embassy, describing the latest intervention as a continuation of impactful efforts to improve living standards across the country.

    “These two interventions are not only cross-cutting in their impact but also consistent with our government’s vision for job creation, youth empowerment, and a diversified economy. There is a clear alignment of purpose between Nigeria and Japan,” the Minister said.

    Representing the Embassy of Japan, the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Kozaki Hitoshi, provided insight into the historic nature of the projects. 

    He described the initiative as a pioneering co-funded venture, jointly established and managed over a 13-year period by the NSIA.

    “This marks the first time the Government of Japan is co-launching a fund of this nature,” Mr. Hitoshi noted. “Nigeria is also the first country selected by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pilot this innovative model. This speaks to Nigeria’s strategic importance in Japan’s foreign and development policy” he said.

    According to him, the projects aim to create a fertile environment for startups solving societal problems, foster sustainable economic development, and lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships that benefit both nations.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, commended the vision and cooperation that brought the projects to fruition. He stated that the agreement represents a critical step in driving inclusive growth and transforming Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

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    “Today’s event is a testament to what can be achieved through mutual trust and strategic vision. This agreement sets the stage for practical solutions to development challenges and will further strengthen ties between our countries,” Dr. Obi said.

    The $30.9 million in grants and counterpart funding will be directed at developing infrastructure and capacity for startups, particularly those addressing social needs such as health, education, and environmental sustainability. 

    While NITDA will focus on establishing a central hub in Abuja to serve as a springboard for startups, the NSIA-led project will create an enabling environment for investment and long-term scalability.

    An official of the ministry of Budget and Economic Planning told The Nation that “by putting in place a coordinated strategy for startup support, the Nigerian and Japanese governments hope to drive job creation, attract private sector participation, and foster economic resilience.”

  • Nigeria, Japan launch naira-denominated startups fund

    Nigeria, Japan launch naira-denominated startups fund

    Nigeria and Japan have introduced a strategic venture capital initiative designed to support high-growth startups through Naira-denominated investments.

    This approach aims to shield businesses from currency risks while providing long-term concessional financing.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, met with officials from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja on Wednesday to finalize the framework of the fund.

    The Japanese government has now given formal approval for the initiative, paving the way for its launch.

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    Mr. Wale Edun described the fund as a timely intervention that aligns with Nigeria’s economic priorities. He noted that it would provide essential financial backing across the capital structure—from equity to debt—while advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive growth.

    NSIA CEO, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, stated that the initiative meets two critical objectives set by the Minister: insulating investments from foreign exchange volatility by using Naira and securing first-loss or grant capital to reduce private sector risk. He added that with JICA’s involvement, the fund is fully approved and ready for implementation.

    JICA Director General, Takao Shimokawa, disclosed that diplomatic agreements would be finalized within weeks, with full execution to follow shortly after.

    “By combining international concessional financing with domestic currency stability, the fund introduces a new model for venture capital in Africa. It is designed to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs and drive innovation across key sectors of the economy,” the ministry said.

  • Ten countries with most difficult citizenship process

    Ten countries with most difficult citizenship process

    Getting citizenship in a foreign country can be difficult and some countries have very strict criteria. The process of becoming a citizen of another nation and settling there might be difficult and complicated for people who are unaware of the regulations.

    To help you sort out this issue a bit for you, here is a look at some of the toughest places to get citizenship

    1. Japan

    Japan’s citizenship process is rigorous, requiring at least five years of residency, a clean criminal record, and proficiency in Japanese. Applicants must submit a detailed application to the Ministry of Justice, including extensive personal information. Japan’s prohibition on dual citizenship further complicates the process, demanding that new citizens renounce their previous nationality.

    2. North Korea


    North Korea is infamous for its nearly insurmountable barriers to obtaining citizenship. The country demands renunciation of all other nationalities, strict age and education requirements, and a clean criminal record. The application process is long and includes interviews and exams, making North Korean citizenship almost unattainable for foreigners.

    3. Liechtenstein


    Liechtenstein has some of the world’s strictest citizenship requirements. Applicants must have resided in the country for a minimum of 30 years, including at least 5 years with Permanent Residency status. Exceptions include reduced residency for minors and spouses of Liechtenstein citizens, but the overall process remains highly challenging.

    4. Switzerland


    Switzerland’s naturalisation process is stringent. Applicants must have resided in the country for at least 10 years and hold a C permit. While simplified naturalisation is available for individuals married to Swiss citizens or third-generation foreigners, all candidates are required to show significant integration into Swiss culture and fulfill additional criteria set by local cantons.

    5. Qatar


    Qatar presents a formidable challenge with its stringent citizenship requirements. Foreigners must reside continuously in the country for 25 years, demonstrate proficiency in Arabic, and maintain a clean conduct record. Qatar’s laws also prohibit dual nationality, necessitating the renunciation of one’s original citizenship.

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    6. Bhutan


    In Bhutan, a secluded Himalayan kingdom, obtaining citizenship is highly restrictive. Foreigners must reside in the country for a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible to apply. During this time, any criticism of the monarchy can result in the denial or revocation of citizenship. Bhutanese authorities maintain full discretion over the approval process, making the path to citizenship even more challenging.

    7. China


    In China, citizenship is largely reserved for those of Chinese descent, with non-nationals having limited opportunities. Applicants can sometimes obtain citizenship through marriage, but they must reside in China for at least two years. The process is complex, often requiring legal assistance and thorough documentation.

    8. Vatican City


    Vatican City, the world’s smallest country with just over 800 residents, is notoriously difficult for foreigners to gain citizenship. Citizenship here is limited to those born within its walls or appointed by the Pope. Typically, this means only those in specific roles, such as diplomats or members of the Swiss Guard, are eligible, making it nearly impossible for most people.

    9. Kuwait

    Kuwait, another oil-rich country, has one of the most exclusive citizenship policies, making it nearly impossible for foreigners to become naturalized. The requirements include:

    A minimum residency period of 20 years.

    The Kuwaiti National Law of 1959 also demands fluency in Arabic. You must be a Muslim either by birth or through conversion. Even long-term expatriates, many of whom have lived in Kuwait for generations, struggle to obtain citizenship. Kuwait does not recognize dual citizenship.

    10. Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich country housing Mecca and Medina, the holiest sites in Islam. Saudi Arabia has strict immigration and naturalisation policies. Foreigners looking to become Saudi citizens must:

    Reside in the country for at least 10 years.

    Be fluent in Arabic, as language proficiency is a key factor in the application process.

    Contribute to the country economically or socially, meaning professionals with valuable skills or investments stand a better chance. Despite these rules, most foreign residents in Saudi Arabia remain on temporary work visas rather than gaining citizenship, as the process remains extremely selective.

  • ‘Rising’  Japan become first nation to qualify for World Cup 2026

    ‘Rising’  Japan become first nation to qualify for World Cup 2026

    Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to earn Hajime Moriyasu’s side a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and confirm their place at next year’s finals.

    Midfielder Kamada came off the bench to put Japan in front after 66 minutes and Kubo added the second three minutes from time to keep the Samurai Blue in pole position in Group C of Asia’s preliminaries.

    Yesterday’s win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup.

    The first two in each of Asia’s three qualifying groups are certain to progress to the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, with the third- and fourth-placed teams advancing to a further round of playoffs.

    After an underwhelming first half, Moriyasu introduced Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada in the 63rd minute and within three minutes he had put his side in front.

    The 28-year-old finished off a fine move that started with defender Hiroki Ito finding Ayase Ueda in the centre circle, and his pass released Kubo to set up Kamada to score.

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    Kubo had been Japan‘s most potent threat and it was fitting that the Real Sociedad playmaker added the second, beating goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at his near post to put the outcome beyond doubt.

    The result means Japan continue to lead Group C by nine points from second-placed Australia, who overcame an early scare to thrash Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney in Patrick Kluivert’s first game in charge of the visitors.

    Martin Boyle put Australia ahead from the spot and Jackson Irvine scored twice, with Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller also on target to enhance Australia’s qualification hopes.

    Meanwhile, South Korea suffered a minor setback in Group B as Hong Myung-bo’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Oman in Goyang.

    Hwang Hee-chan had given the home side the lead in the 41st  minute but an 80th minute strike by Ali Al-Busaidi levelled for the Omanis against a Korean outfit that saw Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in leave the field with an ankle injury.

    The Koreans remain in first place on 15 points, four ahead of Iraq who are at home to Kuwait later on Thursday, while Jordan host Palestine.

    In Group A, leaders Iran entertain the United Arab Emirates while second-placed Uzbekistan, who are three points back, host Kyrgyzstan and Asian champions Qatar take on visitors North Korea.

  • Between Japan’s Kaizen philosophy and Nigeria’s National Values Charter

    Between Japan’s Kaizen philosophy and Nigeria’s National Values Charter

    By Temitope Ajayi 

    Two days after DeepSeek took the world by surprise, a Financial Times report warned that the West should be worried by how China appears to be leading the Artificial Intelligence race. 

    Financial Times says the emergence of DeepSeek from the shadows, catching the West unawares, is a strong indication that China has mastered the art of ‘Kaizen’. 

    I recall that my first encounter with Kaizen, the philosophy that underpins the rise of Japan as the Asian economic powerhouse, is about 10 years now. 

    Societies like China, Japan, and South Korea that anchor their development models on their culture and value systems continue to break new grounds and are far ahead in innovation and human advancement. 

    At the heart of Japan’s success, especially in the manufacturing and service sectors, is the work ethics that are firmly rooted in the Kaizen philosophy. ‘Kaizen’ is a Japanese word that means continuous improvement or change for the better. The quest for excellence and attention to detail have been weaved into the social and moral fabrics of Japanese society as a matter of obligation. 

    It is this philosophy and social imperative that the Japanese take into product designs and execution. It is, therefore, not surprising that the world sees continuous improvement in every new edition of Japanese products like Toyota automobiles. 

    The concept of Kaizen became popular in the United States by the 1980s when it was discovered that the performance of Japanese companies was much better than their American counterparts. 

    It became apparent that the difference between Japanese and American companies in terms of effectiveness and operational efficiency was the application of the Kaizen principle.

    Kaizen philosophy is similar to the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos. Every major ethnic group and subculture in Nigeria and Africa has its own equivalent of such value systems. 

    We can only imagine our pace of development and progress as a country if we develop a national value system around the virtues of excellence, honour, and integrity. This means our workmen and women will pursue excellence as second nature in everything. Politicians will embrace public service as a matter of honour, and citizens will accept integrity as an article of faith in undertakings.

    Our society is hemorrhaging as a result of value degradation. It is heartbreaking how badly we have drifted because we neglected our cultural values and practices that served as the guiding principles of society. 

    It is the responsibility of leaders at all levels to direct society to embrace enduring values that edify and promote human development. I believe we can still recover lost grounds. 

    This is why the efforts being made by the Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu-led National Orientation Agency to re-ignite a new wave of consciousness through the National Values Charter should be appreciated and promoted. 

    The values charter has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council. President Bola Tinubu is leading this renewed effort to push value re-orientation to the forefront of public policy and national development agenda. 

    -Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity

  • Japan, South Korea face away tests on road to 2026 World Cup

    Japan, South Korea face away tests on road to 2026 World Cup

    Japan can take a major step towards the 2026 World Cup over the next week if they can negotiate away tests at Indonesia and China in the space of five days.

    Son Heung-min’s South Korea will also look to close on a spot at the showpiece in North America as they travel to Kuwait tomorrow and then face Palestine in Jordan next week.

    Meanwhile Herve Renard, who masterminded a famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the Qatar World Cup, takes charge of Saudi Arabia for the first time since returning to the job.

    An estimated 78,000 will pack out the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in the Indonesian capital Jakarta in hope of seeing the hosts pull off a shock on Friday.

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    Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan will then need to face down another hostile crowd when they travel to Xiamen on Tuesday to play China.

     “If you look at the FIFA rankings and the games in the World Cup qualifiers so far, you might think that the advantage is with Japan,” said coach Moriyasu. “But we are playing both games away and I think it will be tough.”

    With the third Asian qualifying round nearing the halfway point, Japan are five points clear at the top of Group C from Australia and Saudi Arabia, who face each other on Thursday.

    The top two from each of the three groups go straight to the World Cup.

    China and Indonesia occupy the bottom two spots in Group C but are not out of the reckoning as teams finishing third and fourth will advance to a further qualifying stage.

    Moriyasu has called up Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi for the first time in a year after first-choice striker Ayase Ueda was injured.

    Australia host Saudi Arabia in Melbourne with both nations on five points after four games.

  • Nigeria, Japan strengthen ties to boost trade, others

    Nigeria, Japan strengthen ties to boost trade, others

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the Japanese government of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening trade ties in areas of infrastructural development, food security, and health, among others.

    This, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated today while assuring the Japanese government of enhanced cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as resolving all the grey areas involving bilateral relations between the two nations.

    Senator Shettima gave the assurance when a delegation of the Japanese government led by the outgoing- Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Vice President Shettima’s consultation with the Japanese team was captured in statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

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    “All the grey areas will be addressed. Luckily, the CBN Governor is here, and two of the major beneficiary ministries are represented at the highest level. Be rest assured that in a couple of days, we are going to resolve all the grey areas and put our relationship on a new pedestal,” the VP told the delegation.

    The Vice President applauded Ambassador Kazuyoshi for doing an outstanding job in anchoring the relationship between the two nations, noting that the presence of key actors in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including two ministers and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, accentuated the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship with Japanese international development agency, JICA.

    VP Shettima expressed gratitude to JICA for its commitment towards strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Japan through its contributions to development across critical sectors of the economy.

    Specifically, he thanked JICA’s President for the firm’s donation of a grant of ¥1.75 billion to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen the Centre’s diagnostic capacity.

     “Your Excellency, we are immensely grateful for JICA’s continuous commitment; words cannot adequately convey our depth of gratitude. Under the exemplary leadership of Dr Tanaka Akihiko, JICA has played a very vital role in strengthening the ties between our two nations.

    “Your contributions span across critical sectors of our economy and society, aligning seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am glad you visited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) yesterday where, again, you have given a grant of ¥1.75 billion for the strengthening of diagnostic capacity of the NCDC,” the Vice President said.

    Shettima also acknowledged JICA’s assistance in polio eradication, which he said helped Nigeria to achieve polio-free status in 2020.

    “We share in your vision of making Nigeria a hub for disease control in West Africa and, by extension, you can make it a hub for the whole of Africa because one in every four black men is a Nigerian. So, we implore you to further enhance the cooperation between our two nations. You are a silent giant. You don’t make too much noise,” he added.

    To outgoing Ambassador Kazuyoshi, the Vice President wished him a fruitful and productive tour of duty in his next location.

    Earlier in his remarks, the President of JICA, Dr. Akihiko, sympathized with Nigeria over the flood that recently caused damage to many communities and deaths, especially in Maiduguri, Borno State, saying the sympathy is special because Japan has been a victim of natural disasters.

    Akihiko extended his gratitude to Nigeria and its citizens for understanding, supporting and allowing JICA to participate in development projects in the country, noting that “the Ambassador of Japan, Mr Matsunaga Kasuyoshi, has done a good job in maintaining and improving the relations between Nigeria and Japan.”

    He said he also visited the Nigeria Information Technology Centre where he met with the Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs, noting that he was impressed with their ingenuity and level of creativity, just as he stressed that it has formed the basis of collaboration with JICA.

    Speaking also, Ambassador Kazuyoshi disclosed that the Japanese government will hold an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year.

    He said while the Japanese government has paid great attention to the partnership with Nigeria, it would like to use the opportunity of the visit to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

    Also explaining the level of Japanese involvement in development in Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Kinsley Uzoma, stated that JICA has done well in supporting Nigeria in the area of food security emergency support loan.

    Dr. Uzoma emphasised that one of the most critical areas of support is the project to rehabilitate and reinforce the Lagos transmission substation. This initiative aims to provide an uninterrupted power supply to Apapa Wharf, ensuring 24-hour electricity.

    The project is instrumental in elevating the Nigerian port to meet international standards, he explained.

    Also, Present at the meeting were the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.

  • Fed Govt, Japan to collaborate on shared global challenges

    Fed Govt, Japan to collaborate on shared global challenges

    •Tokyo, ECOWAS to deepen relations towards TICAD 2025

    The Japanese Government and the Federal Government have expressed commitment to deepen bilateral relations and collaborate to address shared global challenges.

    This was indicated in a statement by Ms Shimada Mami, Third Secretary, Culture and Information/General/ Protocol Section, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria in Abuja.

    Mami said that both countries made the commitment on Saturday at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting.

     The secretary said the agreement was reached during a meeting between Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and her Nigerian counterpart, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Tuggar had visited Japan to participate in TICAD.

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    According to Mami, the minister said that Japan intends to deepen cooperation to solve global challenges with Nigeria, a leader among African countries, sharing values and principles such as democracy.

    She said that the foreign minister also expressed her intention to discuss ways to further strengthen business and economic relations, including start-ups, and to also enhance partnership with Nigeria.

    Mami said that the minister had observed the serious situation facing internally displaced women during her visit to Nigeria has realised the need for initiatives based on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) perspective.

    She added that Yoko expressed her gratitude for the substantial dialogues held on the occasion of her visit to Nigeria in April.

     In his response, Tuggar welcomed the concrete outcomes through the TICAD process and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date.

    He said that he would like to strengthen bilateral relations including regional cooperation.

    The two ministers at the meeting confirmed the further deepening of Japan-Nigeria relations toward TICAD 9 next year.