Nigeria seeks stronger diplomatic, trade ties with Tanzania

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania.

Shettima spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when he received Jakaya Kikwete, a former Tanzanian president, at the State House.

In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s spokesperson, 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 (AfCFTA).

“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,” Nkwocha quoted Shettima as saying.

“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.”

Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony at the National Defence College (NDC), expressed Tanzania’s readiness 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 also expressed optimism for deeper ties in defense, trade, and diplomacy, while praising the NDC’s role in training the Tanzanian military.

Both leaders stressed the importance of revisiting outdated agreements and scaling up bilateral relations in the spirit of African solidarity.