FG partners with Korea, seeks Nigerian youth training in Technology

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed its commitment to strengthening relations with the Republic of Korea in the areas of technology transfer, trade promotion and global peace.

Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled this at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, June 26, during a meeting with the representatives of Korean President Jang Sungmin and his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He mentioned that Nigeria has been maintaining a healthy relationship of mutual understanding with the Koreans for a long time through trade partnerships, especially in the oil & gas sector.

“Nigeria and Korea have a very robust bilateral relationship that is anchored on years of mutual trust and cooperation. A lot of Korean companies are doing business in Nigeria, especially in the area of oil and gas. Six of our LNG trains were constructed by Korean companies,” the VP said.

He added that the present administration is fully committed to a very robust relationship between our nations. We need to learn a lot from Korea, especially in the areas of manufacturing and agriculture. You are a success story worthy of emulation by all developing nations.

Stressing the administration’s point of choosing Korea in the partnership among other developed nations, VP Shettima stated that during the 50s and 60s, the Korean GDP was at par with many African countries, but today, Korea is among the developed nations. This is partly due to the leadership and commitment of the Korean people.

Speaking further, he added, “We are willing to partner with you in the area of technology because by 2030, there will be 65% global talent deficit with the US, Russia and Brazil suffering 6 million talent deficit. I believe Nigeria is in a unique position to fill those talent deficits because ours is a young nation.

“75% of Nigerians are below the age of 35, so we are soliciting your partnership and support in digital skills training for our young people. We want to create 1 million jobs in the digital world. India earned $120 billion last year from global outsourcing and we are in a unique position to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector. We need the skills set, we need the technology to drive the process and yours is a technology that we can embrace.”

Shettima also emphasized the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda of prioritizing security in order to facilitate international trade and attract foreign investors to Nigeria.

“Security and economic development are the focus of our government. The government will make it easier for Korean businesses and other foreign investors to do business in Nigeria. Korea has always supported us in international fora and we have the obligation to reciprocate by supporting Korean businesses operating in Nigeria.

“Be rest assured that Nigeria truly appreciates the Republic of Korea’s support for Nigeria in multilateral institutions, in the UN General Assembly, in our quest for a seat in the security council and in several UN bodies.”

The leader of the delegation team, Mr Jang Sungmin, congratulated Nigeria for the successful inauguration of the new government and conveyed a special invitation from President Yoon to his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, to attend the forthcoming Africa-Korea Summit in South Korea.

The delegates include “Ambassador KIM Young-chae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. YOO Chang-ho, Deputy Secretary to the President for Future Policy; Mr. JANG Sangwoo, Deputy Director for Planning and Execution Team, Bid Committee for World EXPO 2030 BUSAN; Mr. Guillaume Barthe-Dejean, Vice President, SK; Mr. KIM Inkyu, Chief Financial Officer, LG Electronics Nigeria Corp; Ms. Park Hyesong, Korea International Development Agency.”