Nigeria, Tunisia Set to Rekindle Ties: Joint Commission to Hold in September, 2025 By Raymond Enoch
In a major diplomatic stride, Nigeria and Tunisia are set to strengthen their bilateral relations through strategic partnerships and renewed cooperation across key sectors, following announcements at the 8th Financing Investment and Trade in Africa (FITA) Conference 2025 in Tunis.
Speaking at the conference, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding collaborations with Tunisia in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, ICT, and the creative industries. Her remarks were delivered by Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Foreign Service Reform and Innovation.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister called on Tunisian and international investors to leverage Nigeria’s evolving economic environment and business-friendly policies. “Nigeria is not just ready for business—it is already doing business,” Akinremi said.
One of the key outcomes of the conference is the agreement to revive the long-delayed Nigeria-Tunisia Joint Commission, now slated for September or October 2025. The commission, initially scheduled for 2020 but suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be hosted by Tunisia.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the urgent need to resuscitate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalize a Military Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. She also stressed the importance of a Visa-Free Agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.
The minister proposed the creation of a Nigeria-Tunisia Business Council and called for joint ventures in pharmaceutical manufacturing and renewable energy. Other key areas highlighted include climate-smart agriculture, fintech, innovation hubs, and digital literacy programs.
Akinremi described Nigeria as a “business incubator,” citing recent improvements in ease of doing business, security, and capital repatriation. “Peace has returned, investors are thriving, and Nigeria’s market remains one of the most lucrative in Africa,” he said.
The Nigerian delegation at FITA included Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; and Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), all of whom reinforced Nigeria’s position as a premier investment destination.
With the upcoming Joint Commission, both nations aim to remove bottlenecks hindering trade, finalize investment protection frameworks, and work together under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to bolster Africa’s presence in the global economy.
