TINUBU: WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS FOR NIGERIA DESPITE SHORT-TERM PAIN
"It is worthy to note that while this forum seeks to highlight and advance the potential of mutually beneficial partnerships, I wish to state here that we must also ensure that the partnerships are creative and transformative in such a manner that the ordinary citizens of our countries can reap verifiable gains.
"It is on record that Nigeria and the Netherlands have established business ties for decades. There is every need to re-invigorate this relationship. This is a call for creativity on the part of all of us."
While noting the long history of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands, Tinubu called for even stronger bonds, not just in diplomacy but also in commerce, innovation, and enterprise.
According to him, "Our countries possess unique strengths and resources. It is through collaboration that we can harness these strengths, unlock new opportunities, and drive economic development.
"Together, we have the potential to create synergies that will benefit our present and future generations. We must endeavour to replicate the success stories of various Dutch companies and enterprises by learning and sharing their experiences and approaches for the benefit of all.
"As the world braces up for today’s economic challenges, which in many ways affect our two countries, a creative approach to the search for investment-minded solutions will prove to be the most viable path to the level of sustainable development that we all desire.
"In line with the above vision, I believe that we must endeavour to push this narrative into our daily business activities and to move toward industrial value addition, agribusiness, innovative technology, green energy, marine economic expansion, as well as solid mineral exploitation and processing."
Tinubu emphasised that relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands would henceforth set a new tone and foundation for stronger economic ties between both countries.
He stated, "As we engage in discussions and negotiations today, let us do so with a spirit of openness, trust, and mutual respect. Let us listen to one another, learn from each other, and find common ground that will allow us to move forward together in pursuit of our shared prosperity."
Tinubu said his administration was enhancing the business environment in Nigeria to make it friendly through various reforms.
He said such reforms included, "The cleaning up of our foreign exchange market to make it more transparent for seamless business transactions, removal of the fuel subsidy, and the readiness of the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the necessary window to allow foreign companies repatriate their profits, among others."
Tinubu said the improved business environment in Nigeria was making the country an investors’ paradise. He urged business men and women to take advantage of these opportunities for mutually rewarding economic partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands.
Rutte, on his part, stated that Tinubu's economic reforms had engendered greater confidence in the Nigerian economy by international investors, adding that Dutch investors have activated another set of $250 million worth of new investments over the next few months, including a $100 million investment in a waste-to-wealth industrial facility in Lagos State.
The Dutch prime minister said, "You are promoting democratic governance and the solutions it can bring in dealing with problems of development. I saw how you went through democratic channels to remove an incumbent president in 2015 in partnership with President Buhari and how that has led to development in your country.
"I saw you take the courageous decision to deal with fuel subsidies and other reforms, and we are interested in what allowed you to take the decisions that many before you could not take.