Momentum is building between Islamabad and Abuja as Pakistan and Nigeria shake hands on a bold new chapter for their diplomatic and economic partnership. In a bid to unlock billion-dollar opportunities, both nations have announced plans to accelerate a landmark bilateral trade agreement and roll out friendlier visa policies for investors and travelers.
The breakthrough unfolded in Abuja, where Pakistan’s top commerce strategist, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, sat down with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. Their mission? To supercharge economic cooperation and propel the Nigeria–Pakistan relationship to new heights.
Long-time allies since 1961, Pakistan and Nigeria already share seats at the Commonwealth and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. But this latest meeting signaled a leap beyond tradition, with both sides voicing “strong political will” to tap into fresh opportunities across energy, agriculture, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and the booming halal trade.
By the meeting’s end, technical teams were given a green light to fast-track the Nigeria–Pakistan Bilateral Trade Agreement—scrapping red tape and aiming for a swift signing. Both countries also pledged to make travel easier for businesspeople and tourists, promising streamlined visa processes for Pakistani and Nigerian nationals alike.
Adding a diplomatic flourish, Khan invited Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Pakistan, underscoring the renewed commitment at the highest levels.
This new momentum is part of Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy, which has seen a surge in trade missions and business showcases—like this week’s Beauty West Africa Exhibition in Lagos, where nearly 20 Pakistani companies brought their latest personal care innovations to Nigerian consumers.
And Nigeria? The numbers speak for themselves. With a GDP topping $477 billion, a booming tech and services sector, and a population of over 230 million—the largest in Africa—Nigeria is a heavyweight on the global stage, brimming with youth-driven energy and entrepreneurial fire.
