Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Ghana ties at 65th independence anniversary

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Ghana, describing the bilateral partnership as a cornerstone for peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa, as the Federal Republic marked its 65th Independence Anniversary in Accra on Wednesday.

The celebration, hosted by the Nigerian High Commission, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Ghanaian government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Nigerian community in Ghana, and friends of Nigeria.

Guests were treated to cultural displays, a documentary on Nigeria’s history and development, and an array of Nigerian delicacies, including jollof rice, which was presented with a light-hearted invitation to taste and perhaps settle the long-running jollof rivalry between the two nations.

Ambassador Moses Dayo Adeoye, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, delivering an address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the milestone offered both reflection and renewal of the deep bonds between Nigeria and Ghana.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said the two countries shared not only a colonial history and a vision for Africa’s development but also people-to-people ties that had grown stronger through trade, education, culture, and migration.

“Since independence, Nigeria and Ghana have walked together through triumphs and challenges,” Ambassador Adeoye said.

He added, “Our peoples are bound by kinship and camaraderie, and these bonds manifest daily in our markets, schools, businesses, and communities.”

Mr Adeoye emphasised Nigeria’s contribution to Ghana’s development, particularly in the energy sector, noting the importance of natural gas supply through the West African Gas Pipeline.

He said under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria remained committed to sustaining this lifeline, crucial for powering Ghanaian industries and households.

On regional security, the envoy said both nations had intensified collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint border efforts, and coordinated action against crime and terrorism.

This, he said, had not only curbed illicit networks but also enhanced safety for citizens and businesses across the sub-region.

Ambassador Adeoye also used the occasion to highlight reforms by the Tinubu administration to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, and said the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market had helped moderate inflation.

This, he stated, had dropped to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, while foreign exchange reserves had nearly doubled from $22 billion to $42 billion in a year, even after settling $7 billion in arrears.

He added that Nigeria had exceeded its OPEC production quota for consecutive months, with crude oil output averaging 1.71 million barrels per day, while non-oil exports and domestic revenue mobilisation had outperformed expectations.

Nigeria, he noted, had already achieved its 2025 revenue target by August, a sign of renewed economic momentum.

The envoy said the Federal Government had also prioritised social protection and human capital development to cushion citizens from economic reforms.

He cited the disbursement of N330 billion to over 8.1 million households under the National Social Safety Net Programme and the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides tuition support and stipends to students pursuing higher education.

“These measures, combined with investments in infrastructure and human capital, demonstrate Nigeria’s orientation toward inclusive growth and resilience,” he said.

Ambassador Adeoye further underscored Nigeria’s role in regional peace and security, pointing to its active participation in ECOWAS peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and mediation efforts.

“Nigeria remains committed to working with Ghana and our neighbours to secure stability and prosperity across West Africa,” he added.

Addressing Nigerians living in Ghana, the envoy praised their resilience and contributions, stressing that the country’s greatest resource was its people.

He called on Nigerians abroad to be law-abiding, uphold the country’s positive image, and embody the values of hard work and unity.

“A nation of over 230 million people, endowed with immense talent and boundless passion, Nigeria’s brightest asset is its people,” he said, adding, “Nigerians excel across academia, business, the arts, and innovation. Wherever we go, we shine, and we must always be ambassadors of our nation’s good name.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s friendship with Ghana, describing it as enduring and essential for the region’s future.

“On this 65th Independence Anniversary, we reaffirm our friendship with Ghana as a cornerstone of our regional peace and prosperity,” Ambassador Adeoye declared.

“May our cooperation continue to be guided by mutual respect, shared opportunity, and hope for a brighter future,” he added.

The Chargé d’Affaires expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for their warm hospitality and longstanding partnership with Nigeria.

He urged both countries to continue building bridges across trade, culture, and development that would benefit not only their peoples but the entire West African region.