Taiwan’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, Andy Liu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to relocate Taiwan’s diplomatic mission from Lagos to Abuja. He believes this move will enhance diplomatic relations and foster economic cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Abuja, Liu also urged the Nigerian government to finalize the long-awaited Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), which he said would attract more Taiwanese investment into Nigeria.
Taiwan’s Interest in Strengthening Economic Relations
Liu stressed the importance of signing the investment agreement, explaining that it would create a more favorable environment for Taiwanese investors in Nigeria. He said Taiwan is ready to sign the agreement along with Nigeria’s mission in Taiwan, and that renewing the deal would encourage more Taiwanese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
He pointed out that Taiwan has the technical expertise to help Nigeria develop key industries, especially in agriculture, mineral resources, and energy. He noted that while Nigeria is rich in natural resources, Taiwan lacks them but has advanced technology to maximize their potential for economic growth. He also referenced Taiwan’s successful collaboration with Australia in similar industries for over 20 years.
Taiwan’s Readiness to Support Nigeria’s Industrial Growth
Liu recalled a statement made by President Tinubu during his election campaign, where he promised to make South-East Nigeria the Taiwan of Africa. He reaffirmed Taiwan’s willingness to help bring this vision to reality by sharing its industrial and technological expertise.
He stated that Taiwan can be a strong economic partner for both Nigeria and Africa because of its contributions to the global economy, democracy, science and technology, and social development. He urged the Nigerian government to seize the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Taiwan and boost economic cooperation.
Boosting Trade and Investment Between Taiwan and Nigeria
Liu highlighted the long-standing trade relationship between Taiwan and Nigeria, emphasizing that Taiwanese products have earned a strong reputation among Nigerian traders and industries. He stressed the need for Nigeria to focus on attracting more Taiwanese businesses to invest in the country.
He added that renewing the investment protection agreement is key to achieving this goal and ensuring that more Taiwanese companies see Nigeria as a secure and profitable place for trade and investment.
Challenges and Diplomatic Considerations
Taiwan’s request to relocate its mission back to Abuja comes years after the Nigerian government, under pressure from China, moved it to Lagos in 2017. The decision was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the sole government of China while considering Taiwan a part of it.
Despite this diplomatic challenge, Taiwan remains committed to strengthening its economic ties with Nigeria. The final decision will depend on how Nigeria manages its diplomatic commitments while pursuing economic opportunities with Taiwan.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s request to move its mission to Abuja and finalize the investment agreement highlights its interest in deepening its partnership with Nigeria. While diplomatic sensitivities remain, Nigeria has much to gain from Taiwan’s industrial and technological expertise. Strengthening cooperation between both countries could play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. Whether the Nigerian government will respond positively to Taiwan’s proposals remains to be seen, but the potential for greater collaboration is clear.
