FG Moves to Protect Nigerian Auto Spareparts Investment in Angola

The Federal Government has assured Nigerian auto spareparts dealers operating in Angola that it will take steps to protect their investments and safeguard the interests of Nigerians living and doing business in the country

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance during an inspection of facilities at Cidade De Motores (City of Engines), Golf 2, Luanda, where Nigerian auto spareparts dealers have established a major market.

The minister visited the facility on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Angola.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the scale of investment by the Nigerian traders, describing the project as evidence of the resourcefulness and pioneering spirit of Nigerians abroad.

She said the Federal Government would not allow genuine Nigerian investments to be undermined after entrepreneurs had committed substantial resources to establishing businesses outside the country.

“We are very proud of you, having seen the worth of the enormous investment you have put on ground. We do not want a situation where people will invest and later some phony stories would be told about their investment,” she said.

The minister disclosed that the protection of Nigerian-owned businesses would feature prominently in future bilateral discussions with the Angolan government, particularly at the next Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission.

She said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained concerned about the welfare and safety of Nigerians wherever they lived, adding that the government had continued to intervene where Nigerians encountered difficulties abroad.

While urging the auto spareparts dealers to remain law-abiding and conduct their businesses responsibly, Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged them to see the market as an opportunity to promote Nigeria’s image and strengthen relations between Nigerians and their host community.

She also warned against ethnic divisions in the management of the facility, stressing the need for unity among the traders.

“There should be no room for tribalism,” the minister said.

Earlier, the President of the United Auto Parts Dealers Association, Mr Chuks Ukachi, thanked the minister for making time to visit the market despite her engagements in Angola.

Ukachi explained that the market was established after Angolan authorities stopped Nigerian traders from conducting business along the roadside, a development that left many dealers without a means of livelihood for about two years.

He said the new facility was designed to provide a more organised business environment while giving Nigerian entrepreneurs an opportunity to rebuild their businesses and contribute positively to the local economy.

Ukachi stressed that the market was not restricted to Nigerians, saying Angolans interested in the auto spareparts business were also welcome.

“This is an open market; it is open for every Nigerian. In fact, it is for all of us,” he said.

The association appealed to the Federal Government to assist in securing and protecting the facility, describing it as a major investment by Nigerian entrepreneurs in Angola.

The traders said sustained government support would help protect the investment, provide a stable environment for business and further enhance Nigeria’s economic presence in Angola.