The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Namibia have underscored the need to deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries.
This consensus was reached when the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the global gathering, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the Assembly on his behalf.
During the meeting, Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female President who assumed office on March 21, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s significant role in supporting her country before its independence. She also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian diplomats to Namibia’s governance and national life.
She noted that it was important to use the UNGA as an opportunity to meet with Vice President Shettima.
“I will still find time to pay a visit to Nigeria to introduce myself to the President,” she added.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked Nandi-Ndaitwah for the courtesy visit and wished her administration success. He stressed the need to elevate Nigeria–Namibia relations to the next level.
The courtesy call was attended by several diplomats and senior government officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of State for Education, Dr Maruf Alausa.
In a related development, the Vice President also held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Suzman.
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Shettima commended the foundation for its contributions to Nigeria’s health sector, agriculture, financial inclusion, and gender empowerment initiatives. He particularly lauded investments in cassava projects and noted that entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the Nigerian spirit.
“In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in. If all high-net-worth individuals could make even half of Bill Gates’ investments, this world would be a better place to live in,” he said.
He disclosed that the Tinubu administration is targeting an annual economic growth rate of no less than seven per cent in the coming years, anchored on macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Shettima also asked Suzman to convey President Tinubu’s highest regards to Bill Gates.
On his part, Education Minister Alausa appealed for stronger support from the foundation in the education sector, especially in the areas of technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and foundational learning.
“I have met with your representatives in Africa, and they said the initial focus had been on child nutrition, but not education. Now that more attention is being given to education, I am seeking greater support, particularly in foundational education, where we lack sufficient backing,” he said.
Responding, Suzman pledged the Gates Foundation’s continued support in human capital development, health, and education. He also highlighted the foundation’s progress in digital identity and financial inclusion initiatives in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is truly one of our strongest partners on the continent. I look forward to learning more about how we can be more helpful and to assure you of our continued support. We just signed new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria to support some of these efforts, and we are encouraged by your broader initiatives,” he said.
Other members of the delegation included the President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division, Rodger Voorhies; the Nigeria Country Director for Global Development, Uche Amaonwu; and Africa Director, Dr Paulin Basinga.
