Nigeria’s exhibition booth at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) is now fully operational, with officials actively engaging Japanese investors and addressing inquiries, following an initial delay that sparked online controversy.
The booth, officially inaugurated on Thursday, August 21, is showcasing Nigeria’s investment potential in key sectors such as agriculture, power, and industry.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the booth was not abandoned, as earlier reported, but was scheduled for a formal opening on the second day of the conference, which runs from August 20 to 22 in Yokohama.
“The Nigerian booth at #TICAD9 is now fully open and serving delegates, addressing inquiries on opportunities in Nigeria,” the ministry stated via a post on X, dispelling earlier concerns raised by attendees who noted the booth was unmanned on the opening day.
President Bola Tinubu, leading Nigeria’s delegation, emphasized the country’s goal to unlock over $1 billion in trade and investment opportunities at TICAD 9.
In a post on his verified X handle, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s focus on green innovation, industrial growth, and positioning the country as a gateway to West Africa’s market.
“Our participation aims to drive tangible outcomes, expanding opportunities for our youth and consolidating Nigeria’s role as a leading business destination,” he wrote.
The Nigerian booth, now bustling with activity, is manned by officials and representatives from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), which is hosting an investment forum on Thursday to attract Japanese investors.
Discussions at the booth cover diverse sectors, including real estate, agriculture, energy, and technology, with officials fielding questions from Japanese businesses eager to explore partnerships.
The initial absence of staff at the booth had drawn criticism online, with Nigerian attendee Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub, temporarily stepping in to engage visitors.
“I was ashamed to find the booth empty and took it upon myself to answer questions,” Bello posted on X, sparking widespread debate.
Other participants, including Ola and David Brown, also assisted in engaging potential investors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the delay was due to a planned inauguration, a common practice at international conferences like TICAD, citing examples from events such as the Dubai and Doha Expos.
“Countries often designate a specific day for booth openings, with senior officials addressing attendees,” spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa noted.
The Presidency, responding to the controversy, emphasized that Nigeria’s mission at TICAD 9 prioritizes high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements over trade exhibitions.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu is leading strategic discussions with global corporations like Toyota, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.
Additionally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu is negotiating Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded projects, including the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement and renewable energy initiatives.
With the booth now fully operational, Nigeria is leveraging TICAD 9 to strengthen economic ties with Japan and attract private investment.
The conference, co-hosted by the Japanese government, the United Nations, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission, provides a platform for African nations to forge sustainable development partnerships.
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