The Federal Government has assured Nigerian auto spare parts dealers in Angola that it will protect their investments and promote the interests of Nigerians living and doing business abroad.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Thursday while inspecting facilities at Cidade De Motores (City of Engines), Golf 2, Luanda, where the Nigerian Auto Parts Dealers Association runs a major market.
The minister was in Angola for the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the traders for their achievement, describing the project as evidence of the pioneering spirit of Nigerians and what local entrepreneurs can achieve abroad.
She said the government would prioritise the protection of Nigerian-owned businesses during future bilateral discussions with Angola, particularly at the next Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission.
The minister also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad. She said the Federal Government had taken steps to support Nigerians facing difficulties outside the country.
She urged the traders to obey the law and continue serving as good ambassadors of Nigeria. She also encouraged them to make the market an example of unity and inclusion.
“We are very proud of you, having seen the worth of the enormous investment you have put on ground. We do not want a situation where people will invest and later some phony stories would be told about their investment,” she said.
The minister also warned against ethnic discrimination in the management of the market.
“There should be no room for tribalism,” she said.
Earlier, President of the United Auto Parts Dealers Association, Mr Chuks Ukachi, thanked the minister for visiting despite her busy schedule in Angola.
Ukachi explained that the market emerged after Angolan authorities stopped Nigerian traders from operating along the roadside, leaving many without business for about two years.
He said the facility welcomes both Nigerians and Angolans interested in the auto spare parts business and is designed to project a positive image of Nigeria.
“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 support efforts to secure and protect the market, which represents a significant investment by Nigerian entrepreneurs in Angola.
How important is government support in protecting Nigerian businesses operating abroad?
