President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has underscored the potential for robust economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Netherlands, emphasizing Nigeria’s high-grade lithium deposits as a key resource for clean energy production. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s dynamic youth population and its potential to drive economic growth and innovation.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands, particularly in areas such as solid minerals and renewable energy. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to offer value-added opportunities beyond its traditional oil sector, citing the country’s youthful demographic as a significant asset for both its workforce and market.
Furthermore, President Tinubu stressed the importance of addressing irregular migration through effective partnerships and creating opportunities for Nigerian youth within the country. He outlined his administration’s commitment to providing support for skill development and access to higher quality of life to deter unlawful migration.
In response, Prime Minister Rutte commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have increased confidence in the Nigerian economy among international investors. Rutte revealed new Dutch investments in Nigeria, including a waste-to-wealth industrial facility in Lagos State, totaling $250 million.
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, emphasizing the importance of symbiotic economic ties for sustainable and mutual prosperity. He highlighted the Netherlands as Nigeria’s largest export trading partner and emphasized the potential for further collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, IT, healthcare, and renewable energy.