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In a bid to boost Continental growth and unity, Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania.
He said the move became necessary since Nigeria shares historic ties with Tanzania, particularly in their roles as frontline states in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
The Vice President stated this when he received former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, gave this information in a statement signed and titled, ‘VP Shettima seeks enhanced cooperation, regional integration with Tanzania.’
Shettima said, “Tanzania is one of Africa’s success stories. From Julius Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country has been blessed with exceptional leaders. Tanzania stands as a beacon of hope and stability in East Africa.”
The Vice President said it is important to foster stronger economic and social ties between the two nations, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“With the discovery of significant gas reserves, Tanzania is on a fast track to development.
“If key African nations like Nigeria and Tanzania succeed, the entire continent will benefit,” he said.
Earlier, former President Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony at the National Defence College, expressed the readiness of that country to strengthen business and diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
“We value the friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania and are committed to strengthening it further,” he said.
Kikwete acknowledged the role of the Nigerian National Defence College in training Tanzanian military personnel, expressing optimism for deeper ties in defense, trade and diplomacy.
Both leaders stressed the importance of revisiting outdated agreements and scaling up bilateral relations in the spirit of African solidarity.
