ABUJA, NIGERIA 13th Nov:-On the sidelines of the CPA Conference in Abuja, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya Hon. Justin Muturi took some time off this afternoon to visit the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria.
The Speaker who was accompanied by Narok East MP, Hon. Aramat Lemanken and Turbo MP, Janet Sitienei were received by the High Commissioner, H.E. (Dr.) Wilfred Machage and his staff.After being briefed by the High Commissioner, Speaker Muturi lauded the High Commissioner and his staff for the enhanced relations that the two countries now enjoy.
He observed that the High Commission was playing a crucial role; of being the all important conduit in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade (AFTA) Agreement which is crucial for socioeconomic development of not only the two nations but Africa as a whole.
“I am glad to note that you’re doing a great job to enhance our relations with Nigeria as well as promote business between our two nations”, noted Speaker Muturi.
Noting that the Mission’s premises have since been refurbished to the state of art status since his last visit to Abuja, Speaker Muturi commended Dr. Machage for flying the Kenyan flag high in Abuja.
On his part, Dr. Machage apprised the Speaker and his delegation of the existing business opportunities in Nigeria and the region that Kenyan business men can exploit.
The High Commission in Abuja is accredited to offer diplomatic representation in Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He noted that there was huge potential for dairy farmers since almost all milk products in Nigeria and the region are imported from Europe.
He further observed that there is a huge market for Kenyan flowers since all cut flowers are imported from Holland.
Noting that there has been increased traffic between Kenya and Nigeria since President Kenyatta’s directive that visas be granted on arrival for all inbound passengers from the African continent, the High Commissioner decried that Kenya Airways hasn’t exploited her business potential within the region.
Kenya Airways currently flies to Lagos city only in Nigeria, while there’s a bilateral aviation agreement allowing the airline to fly to the Capital Abuja and two other cities.
Earlier in the day, the Speaker also met officials from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association including the Association’s Secretary General, Hon. Stephen Twigg and the Acting Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee, Hon. Lidl Grainger.
They deliberated on the Association Matters and the welfare of the African Region.
