The Nigerian Government has assured Nigerian auto spare-parts dealers in Angola of its commitment to safeguarding their investments and protecting the interests of Nigerians living and conducting business abroad.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance during a visit to Cidade de Motores, popularly known as City of Engines, in Golf 2, Luanda, where the Nigerian Auto Parts Dealers Association operates a major automobile spare-parts market.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, the visit took place on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the scale of the traders’ investment, describing the project as evidence of the entrepreneurial drive of Nigerians and an example of what they can achieve outside the country.
She said the government would not allow legitimate Nigerian investments abroad to be undermined by unfounded claims or disputes after substantial resources had been committed to them.
“We are very proud of you, having seen the worth of the enormous investment you have put on ground,” she said, adding that the government would work to ensure such investments received adequate protection.
The Minister said the interests of Nigerian businesses would receive greater attention in future bilateral discussions with Angola, particularly at the next Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission.
She also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained concerned about the welfare of Nigerians abroad and that the government had taken measures to assist citizens encountering difficulties in other countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the traders to comply with the laws of their host country and uphold Nigeria’s reputation by acting as responsible ambassadors.
She further encouraged the dealers to manage the market in a manner that promotes unity and cooperation, warning against ethnic divisions among members.
“There should be no room for tribalism,” she said, stressing the importance of inclusiveness in the operation of the facility.
Earlier, the President of the United Auto Parts Dealers Association, Mr Chuks Ukachi, thanked the Minister for taking time to visit the market despite her official engagements in Angola.
Ukachi explained that the facility was established after Angolan authorities prohibited Nigerian traders from conducting business along the roadside, a development that left many dealers without a source of livelihood for about two years.
He said the new market was open to both Nigerians and Angolans interested in the automobile spare-parts trade, adding that the facility was intended to demonstrate the positive contribution of Nigerian entrepreneurs to Angola’s economy.
“This is an open market; it is open for every Nigerian. In fact, it is for all of us,” Ukachi said.
The association appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to secure the facility and protect the investments of Nigerian entrepreneurs, describing the market as a major business venture established by Nigerians in Angola.
