Nigeria, Namibia Move to Strengthen Ties as Shettima Meets President Nandi-Ndaitwah in New York
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations.
This was the outcome of a courtesy visit by Namibian President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the global summit and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement on his behalf.
During the visit, President Nandi-Ndaitwah — Namibia’s first female president who assumed office on March 21 — commended Nigeria for its pivotal role in supporting her country’s independence struggle as well as the contributions of Nigerian diplomats to Namibia’s national life.
She explained that it was only fitting to use the UNGA 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 promised.
In his response, Shettima expressed appreciation for the visit and conveyed Nigeria’s readiness to take the relationship between both nations “to the next level.”
The meeting was witnessed by top diplomats and senior government officials, including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima also met with a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Suzman.
The Vice President praised the foundation’s interventions in healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion, and gender empowerment in Nigeria, while calling for increased investment in these areas.
“In Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in. If all high network individuals can even make half of Bill Gates’ investments, this world will be a better place to live in,” Shettima said.
He added that the Tinubu administration is targeting an annual growth rate of at least seven per cent in the coming years, anchored on macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
On his part, Education Minister Alausa appealed for greater support from the foundation, particularly in education technology, artificial intelligence, and foundational learning.
“I am seeking more of your support in foundational education. We don’t have that much support at all,” he said.
Responding, Suzman pledged the foundation’s continued investment in human capital development, noting significant progress in digital identity and financial inclusion.
“Nigeria is really one of our strongest partners on the continent of Africa. I am really looking forward to hear from you about where and how we might be more helpful and also just to assure you of our continued support,” he said.
Other members of the Gates Foundation delegation included Mr Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division; Mr Uche Amaonwu, Director, Nigeria Country Office; and Dr Paulin Basinga, Director, Africa.
