The Sunday Mail
Lincoln Towindo recently in ABUJA, Nigeria
ZIMBABWE has begun constructing a new chancery and embassy residence in Abuja, Nigeria, after receiving a donation of two plots from the Nigerian government.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail on the margins of the inauguration ceremony of Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu last week, Zimbabwe Ambassador to the West African country Mr Maxwell Ranga said development of the two projects commenced last week.
“Let me inform you that the Nigerian government gave Zimbabwe two plots to construct the chancery and the ambassador’s residence,” he said.
“As I speak, we have started the construction and the contractors moved on site last week and have now started developing the new projects.
“We really thank the Nigerian government for donating those plots to us.”
Amb Ranga said Harare and Abuja enjoy longstanding diplomatic relations dating back to the days of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
“The Nigerians have been helping us in many ways,” he said.
“Recently, we were campaigning for the presidency of the Pan African Parliament and they were really supportive of our candidate (Chief Fortune Charumbira) and they even offered to assist in the campaigning.
“Also, we are working with the Nigerian government in many sectors, including the army.”
He said servicemen from both countries were engaging in various training exchange programmes.
“We have a lot of our officers coming from Zimbabwe and also Nigerians going to Zimbabwe for training,” he said.
“As I speak, we have 28 Zimbabweans who are arriving here for training for three weeks.
“Last month, we had the commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, who was here and signed a number of memoranda of understanding.”
The two countries, said Amb Ranga, were working towards developing broader economic and trade ties.
“As I am speaking, last month, we had a number of companies from Zimbabwe that had come here to do benchmarking,” he added.
“Also, ZimTrade came to do a survey in an endeavour to market Zimbabwean goods.
“So, we had a very good exercise; we met a number of Nigerian businesspeople.
“What is left now is for Zimbabwean businesses to come and showcase their goods and services and we are looking forward to having them very soon.”
He said there was interest in fostering collaboration between fertiliser manufactures from both countries.
“We are also working with Nigerian companies, especially with regard to manufacturing of ammonium nitrate,” added Amb Ranga.
Zimbabwe and Nigeria, he said, will soon convene their second high-level Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), in a development geared towards enhancing trade and economic collaboration.
The last JPCC between Harare and Abuja was held in 1989.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga attended the inauguration ceremony, representing President Mnangagwa.
Twitter: @kuntowaz
