Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged for improved economic relations between Nigeria and Ghana. He made this call while receiving Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, at Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin. AbdulRazaq emphasized that stronger economic ties would offer numerous benefits for both countries.
AbdulRazaq stressed the need to move beyond political discussions and establish stronger economic ties, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in place. He advocated for easing border restrictions on the movement of goods and services, trade, and manufacturing to increase GDP and create jobs within West Africa. The Governor also suggested establishing a common currency similar to the arrangement among French-speaking West African countries.
The Governor identified major regional infrastructure projects, including the Trans-West African Highway and Abidjan-Lagos Coastal Road, as critical to improving connectivity and facilitating trade among West African countries. He also called for a clear implementation timeline for the proposed single currency, noting that it would be a significant milestone in accelerating regional economic integration.
AbdulRazaq sought increased cooperation between Kwara State and Ghana in cocoa production, processing, and management. He noted that Kwara is among the Nigerian states that produce cocoa and stands to benefit from Ghana's experience in sustaining its position as a leading global cocoa producer. Ghanaian President Mahama agreed with AbdulRazaq on strengthening bilateral trade relations with Nigeria.
President Mahama, through his representative, expressed agreement with AbdulRazaq's views, emphasizing that economic cooperation should go beyond the ECOWAS political framework. He believed that bilateral trade arrangements between Nigeria and Ghana could deepen economic ties, especially with the Inter-African Continental Free Trade based in Accra.
The delegation accompanying President Mahama included Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu; Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, Simon Madjie; and Dr Tenewa Asamoah, Head of Political and Economic Affairs in the Commission. AbdulRazaq's call for improved Nigeria-Ghana trade expansion aims to foster economic growth and regional integration.
Key points
- AbdulRazaq calls for stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Ghana to boost trade and regional integration.
- The Governor suggests establishing a common currency similar to the arrangement among French-speaking West African countries.
- Kwara State seeks increased cooperation with Ghana in cocoa production, processing, and management.
