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Presidency refutes ‘empty booth’ claims at TICAD9

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‎ The Presidency has said Nigeria’s delegation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is focused on strategic engagements, not a trade exhibition.

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎The Presidency has said Nigeria’s delegation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is focused on strategic engagements, not a trade exhibition.

‎In a statement on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said President Bola Tinubu’s delegation is pursuing results in key sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture.

‎The clarification follows social media reports showing an empty booth labelled “Nigeria” at the TICAD9 venue in Yokohama, Japan.

‎Onanuga described the viral narrative as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s mission at the triennial conference, stressing that the country is not participating as a trade exhibitor.

‎He noted that while the reports may reflect patriotic concern, they reveal ignorance about Nigeria’s actual objectives at TICAD9.

‎According to him, Nigeria’s participation is centred on forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships that will support economic growth and development.

‎Onanuga revealed that the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) will host a targeted investment forum at the conference on Thursday.

‎He added that ministers are holding bilateral meetings, while President Tinubu will meet executives from Toyota, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.

‎The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading talks on several projects backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including power transmission improvements in Lagos and Ogun states.

‎Other projects include a partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA on vocational training, and a $190 million renewable energy access initiative.

‎Adelabu is also scheduled to meet with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as TOSHIBA and HITACHI, on possible collaborations in the power sector.

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