The 4th Jamaica-Nigeria Joint Commission on trade will be held in Abujah, Nigeria between February 22-24, 2022. The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) executives recently (February 8) met with Nigerian High Commissioner, Dr. Maureen Tamuno to galvanize support from the Chamber for the delegation as well as to identify trading opportunities for both parties. The delegation will be led by Senator the Honorable Kamina Johnson-Smith.  

The trade mission will be occurring against the background of the significant passage of time since the 3rd Joint Commission (June 2014) and the need to reinvigorate the discussions previously held at that meeting. This will ultimately be with a view to completing the work that has been done, towards strengthening Jamaica’s trade and investment relations with a key trade and potential investment partner that offers both significant potential for export growth as well as strong and sustained inward foreign direct investment. 

Mutual opportunities for trade exist within the petroleum and energy, agriculture, culture and tourism sectors to name of few. Commissioner Tamuno noted that the spirits industry is on the rise in Nigeria with a high consumption rate which she is confident that Jamaica can benefit tremendously from however, the success of this venture is largely due to trade logistics and the signing of a trade agreement. President Neita is optimistic that both parties will be able to arrive at a mutual business agreement that will strengthen trade relations among both countries. 

President Neita also commended the Nigerian government on their transition to a cash-less society. He noted that Jamaica is behind with digital currency, and this affects commerce however, the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has been making strident steps towards moving Jamaica to a cash-less society. Neita further stated that Jamaica could possibly consider adapting the model used by Nigerians as their banking system has significantly evolved. Commissioner Tamuno welcomed the moved by the BOJ and reiterated the digital currency must be effectively managed to ensure no one is left behind.  

Commissioner Tamuno disclosed that following the Nigeria-Jamaica Joint Commission in February, her office will be organizing a business forum which will see a delegation from Nigeria to Jamaica where both parties will engage in bilateral trade and investment opportunities. The JCC has committed to supporting this business forum by way of ensuring that the private sector will have the opportunity to join the conversations.