The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has launched Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI), insisting on commitment to ensuring adequate consultation, especially with private sector, in taking vital economic decisions.
NEDI, an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aimed at strengthening the country's commitment to all Pan African and other deals that had made Nigeria to stand out as a country, with a view to integrate Africa
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President said Nigeria was also committed to strengthening economic ties at the official level on issues like technical cooperation, air services, double taxation, investment promotion and protection and citizens’ rights among others.
He stressed that trade and other investment ties between countries were driven by the private sector.
”We are also committed to ensuring adequate consultation is made, especially with the private sector, before we make further commitment to some of the international treaties that are important to us.
”We are fully aware that building a competitive and vibrant national economy of our dream relies on enabling the innovation and dynamism of our private sector operators to flourish.
”Given that private sector actors and indeed talented individuals that would drive trade and investment are numerous, it follows that they may not have access or the means to obtain the information they need about the opportunities that abound especially abroad. So the vision of the minister to use the NEDI to bridge the vital gap is a welcome development indeed,” he added.
Speaking also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama said NEDI was planned to connect businesses as well as surmount business barriers by leveraging on the ministry’s presence in 100 countries to match Nigerian and foreign businesses.
”This we do through an Internet portal where any Nigerian business after satisfying credibility check can upload their data onto a website. And with the help of dedicated staff and the information would be available to Nigerian staff in missions in the 100 countries.
"And, conversely we know that there are Nigerian institutions and businesses that are looking for skills not available in the country. We have therefore added a window where Nigerians in diaspora can upload their profile and the ministry will help to match them to needs of businesses and institutions in Nigeria. What NEDI add is a simple credibility and secured environment to grow the Nigerian economy."
