The Nigerian ambassador to Togo, Debo Adesina, says the mandate he received from the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), is to build stronger trade and economic partnerships with Togo.

Adesina spoke on the occasion of the presentation of his letters of credence to President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo on Friday, according to a statement.

He said, “Nigeria and Togo are strong allies and strategic partners. We have a long history of togetherness. Our joint leadership in fostering unity in the West African sub-region and our shared vision of dignity for our people remain examples for many to follow.

“It is in this regard that the key component of my mandate, as given by President Muhammadu Buhari, is to vigorously pursue economic diplomacy and strengthen our partnership in the areas of trade and economic development for the benefit of our people.

“Therefore, as ambassador, I will seek to expand the frontiers of our trade relations and economic cooperation. I will work for the resuscitation of the Bilateral Trade Agreements between Nigeria and Togo as well as the reactivation of Nigeria-Togo Joint Commission.”

Adesina added that he would seek to promote the change agenda of Buhari by joining hands with the Togolese President to fight corruption and insecurity.

According to him, the development of infrastructure, reducing unemployment, eradication of poverty and many other things in Gnassingbe’s Development Agenda were in tune with Buhari’s vision.

READ ALSO FG fails to fulfill agreements, we may resume strike – ASUU

He said, “I am committed to sustaining Nigeria’s policy of good neighbourliness and continued quest for the unity of Africa. As Africans, we are one. Our borders are lines of convenience. They are not barriers to our unity and collective progress.

“As I begin this journey, I count on Your Excellency’s support for a successful tenure signposted by unparalleled cooperation between our countries and unprecedented prosperity for all Nigerians and Togolese.”

The ambassador thanked Gnassingbe for receiving him during the presentation of his letters of credence, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, of Regional Integration and Togolese from Abroad, Professor Robert Dussey, for his assistance and cooperation since my arrival in Togo.