ID :
164015
Fri, 02/25/2011 - 13:42
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/164015
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NIGERIA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER HEADS HOME SATISFIED WITH A STRONGER TIE WITH MALAYSIA
By R.Ravichandran
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- When Nigeria's outgoing High Commissioner to Malaysia Peter J.E Anegbeh leaves for home next week, having served since April 2007, he would leave behind not only a legacy of hard work and successful initiatives but also stronger ties between the two countries.
His era in office is said to have put bilateral relations between the two countries on a stronger footing, with the implementation of various measures to enhance ties in economy, trade, politics, education and in the people-to-people links.
In fact Anegbeh is credited with having brought back the Nigeria national day celebrations in Malaysia, including the historical 50th golden jubilee celebration at the official residence, Nigeria House. The celebration had been missing for about 11 years, until Anegbeh's arrival.
In an interview with Bernama at his office here, the high commissioner who is 60, said that when he assumed office here, protecting and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens became his first priority.
Wooing investors or the business of economic diplomacy was his second priority.
"When I assumed office here, I came to know that the Nigerians here, whether students or others, were afraid to come (to the embassy). When they faced any problem...they go somewhere else like police station.
"But now, as you can see, almost everyone comes here first when they face a problem. Many Malaysian business people meanwhile come to enquire about business opportunities," said Anegbeh whose service in Malaysia would be the last diplomatic posting as he would be retiring from the foreign service which he joined in 1978.
Talking about some of his achievements here, Anegbeh recalled his
involvement in the numerous cases of Nigerian students in Malaysia who had been cheated.
These students had been duped by some local colleges and denied admission after they had paid their dues, and their cases were brought to his attention.
Anegbeh said he talked to these institutions, warning them of the legal consequences and finally managing to persuade them into refunding the monies to the students.
Currently there are about 7,500 Nigerian students registered with the high commission and pursuing studies in Malaysia.
This number is growing every year, benefiting Malaysia in terms of foreign exchange, Anegbeh said.
There are also Nigerian expatriates serving in the oil and gas industries with companies like Petronas, as well as doctors and lecturers serving in the universities, he said.
Another important achievement, where Anegbeh's mark is expected to stay here for a long time to come is his initiative to push for his government's endorsement of the E-passport service at the high commission.
The Nigerian E-passport system was developed by Iris Corporation Bhd, which Anegbeh described as signifying the fruits of the excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by the two countries.
Anegbeh explained that Nigeria's High Commission in Malaysia was the sixth out of 115 diplomatic missions to be updated with the system. Nigerian citizens in Asean countries as well Japan, China and Korea can replace their old passports at the high commission, here.
Another area he gave equal attention during office was the promotion of more trade and investment activities between the two countries and in this respect Anegbeh took the initiative inviting the Malay, Chinese and Indian business chambers right to his residence for luncheon meetings.
Here, he told them why they should tap the huge market of opportunities available in his country.
"I told them that it would take two to tango. I also clarified to them on the issue of security."
Today, there is more traffic, more Malaysians are going to Nigeria now for
business and judging from the current trend, this number is expected to continue
to grow, a beaming Anegbeh said.
With some 153 million people, Nigeria is the largest market in Africa.
"We are a gateway to four neighbouring countries that have a combined
population of about 100 million people. You just name it, we got all the
resources. Malaysia should follow the footstep of countries like China, Japan
and South Korea which have benefited a lot from their presence in Nigeria," he
said.
He said because of the growing trade volume, the West African nation had
also asked the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, (Matrade) to
open an office in Lagos, the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
Currently, Malaysian companies' participation in Nigeria is mainly in the
services sector and in the housing construction sector.
Anegbeh stressed that although the volume of bilateral trade still favoured
Malaysia, things were were improving for Nigeria.
Two-way trade has grown from a mere US$5 million in 2005 to US$50 million in
2008.
Malaysia's exports to Nigeria include electrical and electronic goods,
cars, fats and oils, chemical products, plastic, pharmaceutical products,
rubber, furniture and iron/steel products.
In return, it imports cocoa, aluminium, wood, organic chemicals, fish and
seafood from Nigeria.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and has one of the fastest growing
economies in the world where the oil rich country is also known as the "Land of
Opportunities" for its huge economic potential.
Anegbeh said during his time he also succeeded in convincing his government
that the Developing Eight Countries (D-8) affairs be handled by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and not the Science and Technology Ministry, because of the
importance of the D8.
During his tenure here, Malaysia hosted the 6th D8 Summit, and last year
Nigeria hosted the seventh summit in Abuja, with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin leading the Malaysian delegation to his country.
This visit brought a lot of positive changes in the people-to-people ties
and changed the perception about Nigeria among the Malaysian business community,
Anegbeh said.
During his tenure, there was also an exchange of visits between the
Governor of Melaka and the Nigeria's Kogi state and the signing of MoU in
tourism, mining and education.
Another testimony to the growing bilateral ties was Nigeria's participation
in the World Congress of Accountants here last November, where it sent 800
people from the African country, making up the second biggest delegation after
Malaysia.
Last year, Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia's central bank) and Nigeria
Central Bank also signed a memorandum of understanding to share expertise and
exchange relevant information in the areas of banking supervision.
Describing his tenure here as satisfying with good cooperation from the
people, the private sector and the public sector, he also called on Malaysians
to see the many positive sides of Nigeria and not the negative side.
"Some Malaysian companies are already doing well there and are extremely
happy," Anegbeh said.
"I am leaving with my heart full of satisfaction. I think I have
accomplished what I had planned. I am happy that I am leaving behind a legacy of
good work in strengthening the Nigeria-Malaysia ties in many areas."
Anegbeh said he planned to take rest and spend more time with his family
after leaving Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- When Nigeria's outgoing High Commissioner to Malaysia Peter J.E Anegbeh leaves for home next week, having served since April 2007, he would leave behind not only a legacy of hard work and successful initiatives but also stronger ties between the two countries.
His era in office is said to have put bilateral relations between the two countries on a stronger footing, with the implementation of various measures to enhance ties in economy, trade, politics, education and in the people-to-people links.
In fact Anegbeh is credited with having brought back the Nigeria national day celebrations in Malaysia, including the historical 50th golden jubilee celebration at the official residence, Nigeria House. The celebration had been missing for about 11 years, until Anegbeh's arrival.
In an interview with Bernama at his office here, the high commissioner who is 60, said that when he assumed office here, protecting and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens became his first priority.
Wooing investors or the business of economic diplomacy was his second priority.
"When I assumed office here, I came to know that the Nigerians here, whether students or others, were afraid to come (to the embassy). When they faced any problem...they go somewhere else like police station.
"But now, as you can see, almost everyone comes here first when they face a problem. Many Malaysian business people meanwhile come to enquire about business opportunities," said Anegbeh whose service in Malaysia would be the last diplomatic posting as he would be retiring from the foreign service which he joined in 1978.
Talking about some of his achievements here, Anegbeh recalled his
involvement in the numerous cases of Nigerian students in Malaysia who had been cheated.
These students had been duped by some local colleges and denied admission after they had paid their dues, and their cases were brought to his attention.
Anegbeh said he talked to these institutions, warning them of the legal consequences and finally managing to persuade them into refunding the monies to the students.
Currently there are about 7,500 Nigerian students registered with the high commission and pursuing studies in Malaysia.
This number is growing every year, benefiting Malaysia in terms of foreign exchange, Anegbeh said.
There are also Nigerian expatriates serving in the oil and gas industries with companies like Petronas, as well as doctors and lecturers serving in the universities, he said.
Another important achievement, where Anegbeh's mark is expected to stay here for a long time to come is his initiative to push for his government's endorsement of the E-passport service at the high commission.
The Nigerian E-passport system was developed by Iris Corporation Bhd, which Anegbeh described as signifying the fruits of the excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by the two countries.
Anegbeh explained that Nigeria's High Commission in Malaysia was the sixth out of 115 diplomatic missions to be updated with the system. Nigerian citizens in Asean countries as well Japan, China and Korea can replace their old passports at the high commission, here.
Another area he gave equal attention during office was the promotion of more trade and investment activities between the two countries and in this respect Anegbeh took the initiative inviting the Malay, Chinese and Indian business chambers right to his residence for luncheon meetings.
Here, he told them why they should tap the huge market of opportunities available in his country.
"I told them that it would take two to tango. I also clarified to them on the issue of security."
Today, there is more traffic, more Malaysians are going to Nigeria now for
business and judging from the current trend, this number is expected to continue
to grow, a beaming Anegbeh said.
With some 153 million people, Nigeria is the largest market in Africa.
"We are a gateway to four neighbouring countries that have a combined
population of about 100 million people. You just name it, we got all the
resources. Malaysia should follow the footstep of countries like China, Japan
and South Korea which have benefited a lot from their presence in Nigeria," he
said.
He said because of the growing trade volume, the West African nation had
also asked the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, (Matrade) to
open an office in Lagos, the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
Currently, Malaysian companies' participation in Nigeria is mainly in the
services sector and in the housing construction sector.
Anegbeh stressed that although the volume of bilateral trade still favoured
Malaysia, things were were improving for Nigeria.
Two-way trade has grown from a mere US$5 million in 2005 to US$50 million in
2008.
Malaysia's exports to Nigeria include electrical and electronic goods,
cars, fats and oils, chemical products, plastic, pharmaceutical products,
rubber, furniture and iron/steel products.
In return, it imports cocoa, aluminium, wood, organic chemicals, fish and
seafood from Nigeria.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and has one of the fastest growing
economies in the world where the oil rich country is also known as the "Land of
Opportunities" for its huge economic potential.
Anegbeh said during his time he also succeeded in convincing his government
that the Developing Eight Countries (D-8) affairs be handled by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and not the Science and Technology Ministry, because of the
importance of the D8.
During his tenure here, Malaysia hosted the 6th D8 Summit, and last year
Nigeria hosted the seventh summit in Abuja, with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin leading the Malaysian delegation to his country.
This visit brought a lot of positive changes in the people-to-people ties
and changed the perception about Nigeria among the Malaysian business community,
Anegbeh said.
During his tenure, there was also an exchange of visits between the
Governor of Melaka and the Nigeria's Kogi state and the signing of MoU in
tourism, mining and education.
Another testimony to the growing bilateral ties was Nigeria's participation
in the World Congress of Accountants here last November, where it sent 800
people from the African country, making up the second biggest delegation after
Malaysia.
Last year, Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia's central bank) and Nigeria
Central Bank also signed a memorandum of understanding to share expertise and
exchange relevant information in the areas of banking supervision.
Describing his tenure here as satisfying with good cooperation from the
people, the private sector and the public sector, he also called on Malaysians
to see the many positive sides of Nigeria and not the negative side.
"Some Malaysian companies are already doing well there and are extremely
happy," Anegbeh said.
"I am leaving with my heart full of satisfaction. I think I have
accomplished what I had planned. I am happy that I am leaving behind a legacy of
good work in strengthening the Nigeria-Malaysia ties in many areas."
Anegbeh said he planned to take rest and spend more time with his family
after leaving Malaysia.
