Nigeria has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with Indonesia.

The two countries deepened their ties during the fourth Nigerian–Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum in Jakarta hosted by the Nigerian–Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both countries as they explored opportunities in energy, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and technology under the theme, ‘Unlocking Potentials and Building a Sustainable Economic Future’.

According to NICCI president, Ishmael Balogun, the Nigeria–Indonesia trade had grown from $1.73bn in 2019 to over $6bn in 2023 which is a clear testament to renewed confidence and cooperation.

He called on Indonesian investors to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, fintech, and mining, while inviting them to a reciprocal trade mission to Nigeria in 2026.

The Indonesian Ambassador Designate to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, commended NICCI for its credible bridge between governments and the private sector, noting that trade between both countries had reached $4.7bn in 2023, driven increasingly by non-oil sectors.

“Our two nations share not only economic aspirations but also the rich diversity and resilience that define our peoples,” Suharto said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Zahrah Mustapha, said, “Nigeria is implementing business-friendly reforms that will streamline regulatory processes, attract capital inflows, and strengthen private sector participation.”

A panel session on “Mitigating Trade and Investment Bottlenecks Between Nigeria and Indonesia” featured speakers including the Executive Director of NEXIM Bank, Ibrahim Gaga; Chairman of the ECOWAS Bilateral Economic Committee, Sylvie Tomasua; and CEO of Travel Arcade, Ambassador Abimbola Ogunlowo. The discussants called for improved trade financing, logistics, and policy alignment to sustain bilateral momentum.

Other speakers, including Chairman of Justrite Superstores Ayodele Aderinwale, Chairman of the Nigeria–São Tomé & Príncipe Joint Development Authority Ibrahim Lawal, and AfCFTA consultant Olusegun Olutayo, outlined strategies for harnessing opportunities in retail, offshore energy, and continental trade frameworks.

An awards ceremony rounded off the forum, honouring Ambassador Suharto for diplomatic excellence, the DG of PEBEC Mustapha for public sector leadership, and the Executive Director of NEXIM Bank Gaga for export diversification.

Closing the event, President of NICCI Balogun declared, “Together, we will not only trade; we will transform. Together, we will write the next chapter of the Africa–Asia success story.”

The NIITF 2025 concluded with delegates expressing optimism that Nigeria and Indonesia would strengthen their partnership as strategic trade allies in the years ahead.