Sergey Lukashevich, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, announced that Belarus has signed a five-year action plan with Nigeria aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector in both countries.
Despite this, data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics indicated that Belarus was not among Nigeria’s top ten trading partners for the 2023 financial year. This move suggests that Belarus is striving to establish a stronger presence in the Nigerian market.
In 2021, the Belarusian Embassy in Nigeria reported exports of Belarusian goods to Nigeria worth $5.6 million, primarily consisting of oil products, potash fertilizers, printed materials, and polycarboxylic acids.
Lukashevich expressed satisfaction with the new agreement, noting that while the details of the action plan were not disclosed, it promises mutual benefits for both nations.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “Together, we have signed the Action Plan on Strengthening Partnership in Agriculture and Food Security for 2024-2029. This pivotal agreement underscores our mutual commitment to advancing cooperation in the agricultural sector. This partnership is set to foster significant growth and development in agriculture, enhancing food security for both our nations. By working together, we are not only fortifying the ties between Belarus and Nigeria but also ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our citizens. Our dedication to this collaboration reflects our shared vision for a future of sustainable agricultural development and mutual benefit.”
This development also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s plans to strengthen relations with key countries. In 2023, President Tinubu assured the business community of plans to improve foreign exchange liquidity and emphasized the administration’s commitment to honoring legitimate foreign exchange obligations.
