Shettima Calls For Stronger Nigeria-Tanzania Cooperation To Bolster Continental Unity

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the need to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania to support continental growth and unity.

During a meeting with former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima emphasized the need for strengthening cooperation because of the strong historical ties between Nigeria and Tanzania, especially their joint efforts against apartheid and colonialism.

"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, as per the official State House website.

Furthermore, Shettima said it was important to build stronger economic and social connections between Nigeria and Tanzania, especially through 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."

The vice president also praised the Tanzania government for supporting Nigerian businesses, such as the United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank and Dangote.

Kikwete also spoke during the event and emphasized Tanzania was eager 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.

He also recognized the role of the Nigerian National Defence College in training Tanzanian military personnel and expressed hope for closer ties in defense, trade, and diplomacy.

Both leaders emphasized the need to update old agreements and strengthen their bilateral relations in the spirit of African unity.

The meeting also included several attendees such as Acting Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria Judica Nagunwa, Director of National and Geo-Political Affairs (NDC) Ambassador Akin Oyateru, Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Ahmed Baba Mohammed and Private Secretary to the former President of Tanzania Medard Ngaiza.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu urged African leaders to focus more on actions to address the loss of skills and talent from Africa.

Tinubu emphasized that Africa's development will start when the continent begins to seek solutions internally. He noted that tribalism has no place in Africa and called for strengthening the continent through peace and mutual support.