If you are a looking for a diplomatic post that has excelled during the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, then you need not strain yourself searching. A visit to the Nigeria embassy in The Hague, the Netherlands under the leadership of Her Excellency (Dr.) Mrs Nimotalai Nihinlola Akanbi will adequately satisfy your curiosity. Ambassador Akanbi has been able to redefine business relations between Nigerians and the Dutch with her professionalism, pragmatism and foresight. Nigerians in the Netherlands sees her as a mother and a shoulder to lean on. In this interview with ARM international correspondent, Akinola Akingbala, the ambassador gives reasons why the Nigeria- Netherlands relation is at an unprecedented height.
What would you say are the impact of the trade and investment forums, trade missions’ organized by your embassy?
Thank you, Mr Akinola. The embassy of Nigeria in the Netherlands has been in the fore-front of trade promotion between Netherlands and Nigeria in line with the Transformation Agenda of Mr President whose vision is to make our economy one of the best in the world.
From 2008 when I resumed duty to date, scores of Dutch investors have invested in Nigeria as a result of Trade and Investment Forums we hold from time to time. I have personally led some Trade Missions to Nigeria. I want to say with all modesty that an average Dutch businessman now has more confidence in our economy because we keep projecting the image of Nigeria at the embassy.
At the slightest opportunity, I always tell the Dutch that the time to invest is now, that very soon, they will have to queue for weeks before they will be able to obtain visas to Nigeria because of the rate at which our economy is growing.
Issues of oil theft are a big concern of the present administration and Shell, an Anglo-Dutch corporation is one of the biggest players in the Nigerians oil sector. What initiative of the Nigerian government is being push by the embassy in collaboration with the Dutch government to reduce oil theft?
Oil theft is an economic crime. That is why the Federal Government has been fighting it. And I want to tell you that government is winning. The Federal Government is doing everything possible to protect oil pipelines and other oil installations in the country in collaboration with security agencies and oil companies. Nigerians should support and cooperate with the Federal Government; together we should fight oil theft.
How would you describe trade relations between Nigeria and Netherlands? And if it is dominated by oil and gas, what are you doing to broaden to other sectors?
The trade relation between Nigeria and Netherlands is fantastic! This is evident in the number of Dutch companies operating in Nigeria. Shell is there, Friesland is there, Heineken is also there. I can go on and on to list Dutch companies operating in Nigeria.
As you are aware, the Federal Government is trying to diversify the economy, so that we can be less dependent on oil. For this reason, the embassy of Nigeria in Netherlands has been working assiduously to woo investors into the area of agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
Human trafficking, prostitution and crime are engagements of a few, what action are you taking to curb criminal activities of Nigerians in Netherlands?
Human trafficking is a terrible crime. The Federal Government is doing all it could to eliminate it. It is in this spirit that we have been working here at the embassy of Nigeria in The Hague. Personally, I have visited some cities and towns in Netherlands to sensitize Nigerians about the dangers of human trafficking and prostitution. I always remind our people that they don’t have to live here illegally or do things that will tarnish the image of our country. However, I must tell you that we have a wonderful Nigerian community in Netherlands.
The President had a successful visit to Netherlands earlier in to the year, how are you able to organize and manage his logistical issues and what were the highlights of his visit?
Yes, Mr. President was here in March this year for the Nuclear Summit. Not only the embassy of Nigeria, but the Nigerian Community in Netherlands gave him a rousing welcome. We sensitized Nigerian Community ahead of the visit, so it was really a big success. Mr. President was kind enough to hold a town hall meeting with Nigerian Community in Netherlands and he answered all questions put to him at the meeting. For this, we are grateful to Mr. President. Mr. President also help meeting with some Dutch companies who are willing to invest in Nigeria.
Where do you place Nigerian citizens in your responsibility portfolio taking into account problems of discrimination, illegal detention and general maltreatment of Nigerians especially in recent time because of the Ebola outbreak?
In line with the policy of the Federal Government, we practice Citizens Diplomacy. To us, every Nigerian living in Netherlands is important. We protect their interest all the time. We fight any form of discrimination. As far as we are concerned at the embassy of Nigeria, we don’t want to see any Nigerians discriminated against. We have not had any issue of a Nigerian detained or maltreated on suspicion of having Ebola.
How would you describe the general profile of Nigerians in Diaspora? And how can these be exploited for the growth of our country?
We have thousands of Nigerian professionals in Netherlands who are doing well in their chosen careers. I have always been telling them that East or West, home is the best. I do tell them that they should join hands with the Federal Government to build a prosperous nation.
As one of the 2 or 3 Ambassadors with elongated tenure, what are the secrets of your success?
I don’t know what you meant by tenure elongation. I suppose you are talking about re-appointment. First, I give the glory to God. Secondly, I thank President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for this rare privilege to serve my nation. Thirdly, I want to thank the staff of the embassy of Nigeria in The Hague for their cooperation and selfless service. The secret of my modest achievements is God.
What advice do you have for the international community concerning the general situation of things in Nigeria and the election in 2015?
My advice for the international community is that they should continue to cooperate with the people, government and institutions of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
