The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, bemoaned the growing trade imbalance between Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday.
Observing that South African companies are well represented in Nigeria, Hon. Kalu averred that Nigerian businesses needed more support to measure up in the foreign land.
Hon. Kalu made the observation when he met with the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing 3rd Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliamentary (PAP) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He said, “Our relationship with the Republic of South Africa is long-standing and multifaceted, encompassing both triumphs and challenges.
“Despite the significant volume of trade between Nigeria and South Africa—reaching US$2.9 billion in 2020—there are still several grey areas that need our attention.
“Operational hurdles faced by Nigerian investors wanting to do business in South Africa and issues concerning people-to-people relations remain major concerns.
“South African companies are well represented in Nigeria, yet Nigerian companies are few in South Africa. In 2020, South Africa imported US$2.48 billion worth of goods from Nigeria, predominantly crude oil, and exported US$425 million worth of goods to Nigeria.
“This trade imbalance highlights the need for greater support and facilitation for Nigerian businesses in South Africa.”
Responding to the challenges faced by Nigerians in South Africa in registering and getting their National Identity Number (NIN), Hon. Kalu promised to interface with the appropriate authorities to sort out the issues.
The deputy speaker also urged the people to foster a good relationship with their host country, obey the laws of the land, and prove themselves worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.
“As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, I assure you that my office is always open to hearing your prompts, complaints, and concerns.
“We are committed to sorting out the issues faced by Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Commission.
“I am aware of the difficulties many of you have encountered in registering and obtaining the National Identity Number (NIN).
“I assure you that these complaints will be expedited to the Minister of Interior Affairs and the leadership of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for swift resolution.
“I implore every member of the Nigerian community in South Africa to foster good neighbourly relations with your hosts.
“Showcase the best of Nigerian behaviour and patriotism by being law-abiding, respecting law enforcement, working hard, and being entrepreneurial.
“Uphold integrity and honesty in all your dealings. Your conduct not only reflects on you as an individual but on Nigeria as a whole.
“Let us work together to build a stronger, more supportive community here in South Africa. By curating positive relationships and upholding the highest standards of conduct, we can ensure a better and safer environment for all Nigerians,” Hon. Kalu said.
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