Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania, emphasising the importance of unity and shared aspirations for the growth of the African continent. The Vice President made these comments during a meeting with former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
Highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, VP Shettima noted that Nigeria and Tanzania have a long-standing relationship, particularly as frontline states in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
Praising Tanzania’s exemplary leadership over the years, the Vice President remarked, “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.”
VP Shettima stressed the need for stronger economic and social ties between Nigeria and Tanzania, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He pointed out that Tanzania’s recent discovery of significant gas reserves positions the country for rapid development, and collaboration between key African nations like Nigeria and Tanzania could have far-reaching benefits for the entire continent.
The Vice President also commended the Tanzanian government for its support of Nigerian businesses operating in the country, citing companies such as United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, and Dangote Group as examples of successful cooperation.
Former President Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony at the National Defence College in Abuja, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to deepening business and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
Kikwete also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Nigerian National Defence College in training Tanzanian military personnel and expressed optimism for deeper collaboration in defence, trade, and diplomacy.
Both leaders underscored the importance of revisiting outdated agreements and scaling up bilateral relations in the spirit of African solidarity, ensuring that both nations continue to benefit from their strong ties.