New Year's Greeting from Ambassador-Designate SUZUKI Hideo

Let me begin by wishing you a happy new year.
 
Since my arrival in Nigeria last November, I've been impressed by the nation's vibrant energy and immense potential. Every experience here fuels my excitement for future collaborations.
 
Last December, with the cooperation of all those concerned from both Japan and Nigeria, I was able to visit the Dangote Refinery. Seeing its scale and cutting-edge technology firsthand solidified my belief in Nigeria's promising future.
 
 
Last year was a landmark year for Japan-Nigeria relations. In April, we welcomed Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, then Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, making the first visit to Nigeria by a Japanese Foreign Minister in 45 years. In August, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama TUGGAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Federal Republic of Nigeria, in turn visited Japan for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Conference, where the second bilateral foreign ministers’ meeting was held within the same year. These two groundbreaking ministerial visits marked a significant step forward for further cementing the commitment of our nations to strong bilateral ties.
 
As we look ahead to TICAD 9 in Yokohama this August, I am determined to work even harder to strengthen cooperation with a wide range of partners, with a view to contributing to the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria and the African continent through this conference.
 
The potential for future cooperation between our two nations is limitless. I will keep you updated on the Japan-Nigeria relations and  while ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals and further improving the business environment for Japanese companies.
 
I wish you all a very prosperous and fulfilling New Year.