Korean Envoy Choi Yeong, the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Minister for Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs, claims that Nigeria is the key to the Blue Economy’s potential on the African Continent.
During a visitation to NIMASA Management in Lagos, sponsored by the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Choi Yeong made the statement. His Excellency Kim Young Chae also expressed his appreciation for the sustained and enhanced security situation in the Gulf of Guinea due to Nigeria’s significant presence and stated that the Korean government looks forward to continuing its support of the Nigerian government in the area of intelligence and information sharing.
“Nigeria is one of the largest nations in Africa in terms of its economy, population, and market potential. Therefore, Nigeria may be a crucial ally for the Korean people.”Nigeria may serve as our entryway to the entire African continent. We are pleased to inform you that Korea has scheduled an African summit for the entire continent in 2024. We anticipate this summit will improve relations between Nigeria and Africa, he added.Speaking during the visit, NIMASA Director General Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR said that the relationship between the two nations has been established for more than 40 years and that it has to be strengthened even further. He remarked that Korea is a major maritime nation with highly regarded capabilities in the in shipbuilding for the short, medium and long tern benefits of both countries.“There is no how the issue of trade can flourish without adequate security. NIMASA is making steady progress in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security Agencies to secure the safety and security of investors, Vessels, and Seafarers in the Nigerian maritime domain.“Considering the fact that population of Koreans is highest in Nigeria when compared to other African states, the need for improved relationship between Nigeria and Korea cannot be over emphasized Korea has arguably the best Shipbuilding Companies globally and that is an area we desire partnership.“We have commenced discussions with the Samsung Group and Hyundai as well on the issue of shipbuilding and ship repairs.”
In response to questions about piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, he said that since the second quarter of 2021, there haven’t been any kidnapping or security problems, assuring them that the Federal Government is committed to creating a secure maritime environment in Nigeria. He also said that the time is now to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Korea and Nigeria, especially in the fishing industry.” I think we can also look at better interphase in things like deep sea fishing. In the past, fishing in Nigeria was a significant source of wealth, second only to gas and oil. Right now, the numbers don’t seem very promising. More fishing trawlers will enter Nigerian waters as a result of the partnership, he claimed.
