„By 2020 Nigeria will be a member of 20 most industrialized countries” , declares H.E. Ambassador Mba Ama Mba , Ambassador of Nigeria in dialogue with Professor Anton Caragea PhD

Ambassador Mba Ama Mba of Nigeria speech to Romanians

Ambassador Mba Ama Mba of Nigeria in dialogue with Professor Dr.  Anton Caragea, IRICE director

What is the significance of 1-th of October in the history of Nigeria? Why it was chosen as a National Day?

 First of October  1960 is the day when Nigeria gained his independence from British Colonial Masters, before this date the political entity known today as Nigeria was created in 1914 by the amalgamation of North and Southern British Protectorates. From this day of 1-th of October Nigeria took her destiny fully and firmly into her hands as political leadership came to be exercise by his own citizens, freely elected also by his on citizens in universal suffrage. From this day forward Nigeria continued to build here national unity and to unify several national groups into one united national state. This was, is and will for ever be our mission.    This year being 50 years from independence this date is even more important and celebrated.

 How would your Excellency describe the present day relation between Romania and Nigeria on political, culture economy?

 The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Romania has been cordial at political level. However there is need for improvement especially among high level officials. Consultations are going to actualize some treaties signed earlier that need taking cognizance of the new realities of Romania becoming an EU member. One of this is the Agreement between Governments of Romania and Federal Republic of Nigeria on cooperation on military field. Top officials of the two countries meet in Bucharest early this month and harmonized the draft. It is hoped that Ministries of Defense of two countries will sign it early in the next year. We have also in the cultural field Nigerian artist resident in Bucharest that held several exposition showcasing Nigerian and Romanian themes. These have been well received by the Romanian public and foreigners alike.

Nigeria today and Nigeria of tomorrow, how is developing and changing the most populated country of African continent?

We Nigerians and our government we have done to outstanding things; first he adopted a zero tolerance policy on corruption and shaped a policy based on seven programs of economical and infrastructure development of the country.

Our  visionary government has establish a long term plan called Nigeria 2020 in order to transformed the Nigerian economy as to be one of the 20 most industrialized country by this period end . The aim is that in 2020 we will have a GDP of 900 billion and an income per capita of 4.000 dollars. This is a firm intention of transforming Nigeria economically, politically socially and cultural. Our country also has undergone a complete resolution of the Niger Delta Conflict establishing a special minister for the developing of the region and granting an amnesty for the misguided rebels. The former combatants accepted this amnesty and lay down there arms. A program of rehabilitation and social inclusion has also being established for them. This recent evolution will reassure all investors, including Romanians that we are having a secure climate for there investments. Plus, as a result of our  government efforts Nigeria was elected with a high majority as a non-permanent member of the Security Council at United Nations.  Furthermore our country was selected for here stability to host the International Youth Soccer Championship by the FIFA.

What is your Excellency message for the Romanian people at this anniversary time for Nigeria? How can we describe the development of Nigeria to Romanians for a better common understanding?

 It is in the same time easy and difficult to make such a declaration. Nigeria and Romania has gone a long way from establishing diplomatic relations. Political, cultural and economic relations and the quantum of our bilateral relations are continually developing. Romania is a friendly country that assured the instructions for many young Nigerians in his learning institution. My message is that these relations could be foster in our mutual interest. Romania has the technological capacity that Nigeria needs to exploit fully here industrial, agricultural, oil and solid natural reserves. We appeal to Romanians to open there hearts and minds in order to cooperate with Nigerians counterparts to exploit this enormous bilateral potential.   

In order to do this we have organized a strong Nigerian delegation that visited Romania and was well received by the Romanian Chambers of Commerce and by government authorities. The understandings reach then could be actualized in the nearest future. The area on which we must work now is the tourism, an area where Nigeria has enormous potential and we are warmly inviting Romanians to enjoy the friendship, human warm and hospitality of Nigerians. We have in Nigeria festivals and event throughout the year and on our land the sun is shining all year long.