Nigeria, Ireland Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Investment and Economic Growth

Nigeria and Ireland have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, identifying key sectors for collaboration between both nations.

This was disclosed during the visit of Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The visit aimed to deepen economic and trade relations while fostering dialogue on infrastructure development, digital transformation, public-sector reform, and investment opportunities.

Chambers said his visit to Nigeria was focused on expanding bilateral ties and exploring investment opportunities across critical sectors of the economy. He highlighted technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare as priority areas, noting that Nigeria’s large market presents significant opportunities for Irish businesses.

He described Lagos as a key economic hub in West Africa and an attractive destination for strategic partnerships.

“The roundtable is designed to bring together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s critical sectors and Ireland’s potential role in supporting development,” he said.

Chambers also revealed that his visit coincided with the opening of Ireland’s new embassy building in Abuja, describing it as the country’s largest capital investment in Africa and a demonstration of its commitment to Nigeria and the wider region.

He added that Ireland’s globally competitive industries in technology, finance, infrastructure, and agri-food could serve as a foundation for deeper collaboration, emphasising that partnerships between both countries would be mutually beneficial.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the minister’s visit symbolised growing ties and shared aspirations between both nations.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor noted that his administration remained committed to fostering partnerships across education, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and technology.

He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit and the Blue Line, alongside improvements in road networks, waterways, and healthcare services aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life.

Sanwo-Olu further emphasised Lagos State’s digital transformation agenda, which focuses on improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

“We welcome innovative ideas, partnerships, and opportunities that can improve the lives of our people. Lagos is a city of opportunity and shared progress,” he said.

Also speaking, LCCI President, Leye Kupoluyi, said the Nigeria-Ireland roundtable reflected a convergence of shared economic priorities.

He noted that discussions centred on infrastructure development, efficient public expenditure, digitalisation, and institutional reforms needed to build resilient economies.

Kupoluyi added that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, offers vast opportunities in infrastructure, digital innovation, agribusiness, and industrialisation, while Ireland provides valuable expertise in public sector reform and investment facilitation.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would mark the beginning of a deeper and more structured partnership between both countries.

(NAN)