The government is exploring the possibility of exporting agricultural supplements, such as plant vitamins and livestock vitamins, to Nigeria. Head of the Lagos Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), Hendro Jonathan, said that the Nigerian government is interested in small and medium scale cassava, rice and peanut processing machines for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by Indonesia. "In addition, the potential for organic fertilizers and vitamins for Indonesian livestock is an attraction in order to support the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in Nigeria," said Hendro through a press release from the Ministry of Trade on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Hendro believes that the business exploration will be able to open more doors and business relations in any sector between the two countries. He said that in 2021, the total trade value between Indonesia and Nigeria will reach USD 2.5 billion and will experience a positive growth of 59 % from 2021. According to him, the contribution of Indonesia's exports to Nigeria will also reach USD 463 million. From January to May 2022, the total trade between Indonesia and Nigeria was recorded at USD 2 billion. This value, said Hendro, increased by 92 % compared to the same period the previous year. According to Hendro, Indonesia's total exports to Nigeria, which reached USD 287 million, have driven the high growth in total trade between the two countries. This figure is an increase of 1.7 % compared to last year.“In the oil and gas sector, Indonesia imports crude oil from Nigeria. In the non-oil and gas sector, Indonesia imports cocoa beans, raw aluminum, zinc ore and concentrates, and peanuts," said Hendro.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Hendra Harahap, explained that Nigeria is one of Indonesia's largest trading partners. Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Nigeria began in the 1960s when Indonesia opened its resident diplomatic mission in Lagos in 1965. Then in 1976, Nigeria responded by opening its mission in Jakarta. Currently, Indonesia recognizes the importance of Nigeria's role in the Sub-Saharan region which has made Nigeria a gateway to West and Central Africa. According to him, there is still a lot of room for exports, especially agricultural supplement products from Indonesia. "With this business exploration, it is hoped that Nigeria and Indonesia can take advantage of each other's potential to develop trade relations between the two countries," said Hendra. In the business exploration, Indonesia was represented by fertilizer producer PT Turrima Agro Mas, automotive component producer PT Astra Otopart, agricultural vehicle manufacturer PT Kreasi Mandiri Wintor Indonesia, and cashew nut importer PT Artisan Vii Agroindustri. While from Nigeria, all members of The Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) attended.
