HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON NIGERIA/SOUTH KOREA PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP HOLDS STRATEGIC MEETING WITH SOUTH KOREAN AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA.

The Nigeria/South Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group of the House of Representatives held a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of South Korea to Nigeria, His Excellency Pankyu Kim. The meeting, chaired by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria/South Korea parliamentary friendship group, included four Honourable Members of the House of Representatives who are part of the committee.

Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi opened the session by welcoming Ambassador Kim to Nigeria and highlighting the mandate of the committee as established by the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD. He reiterated the committee's commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening the friendship between Nigeria and South Korea, particularly in areas of mutual interest and benefit. Hon. Ezechi emphasized that the committee is dedicated to supporting continued cooperation between the two nations.

Hon. Paul Ekpo, a member of the committee, underscored the importance of deepening collaboration in technology, agriculture, and youth empowerment, building upon the foundations laid by the Ambassador’s predecessor. He commended the efforts of South Korea through the Nigeria/South Korea Chamber of Commerce and encouraged further business engagements between the two countries.

Hon. Engr. Fom Dalyop called for increased technology transfer initiatives, pointing out Nigeria’s position as the largest market in Africa and the opportunities this presents for both countries. He also stressed the importance of youth empowerment initiatives for Nigerian youths, which could be beneficial for both nations.

Hon. Dr. Midala Usman Balami highlighted the need for health interventions, agricultural advancements, and the development of skills for the economically disadvantaged youth in Nigeria. He requested the Ambassador to identify specific areas of engagement where South Korea operations in Nigeria might require legislative support from the National Assembly. Additionally, he encouraged the Ambassador to propose new ideas and potential areas for bilateral collaboration.

Ambassador Pankyu Kim expressed his pleasure in meeting the members of the Nigeria/South Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group and emphasized the strong interest of numerous Korean industries in Nigeria. He announced the establishment of a South Korean/Nigeria parliamentary group within the South Korean parliament, which aims to foster a partnership between the parliaments of both nations. Ambassador Kim assured the committee of South Korea’s continued support and cooperation with Nigeria.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Korea, focusing on areas that promise significant mutual benefit, such as technology transfer, youth empowerment, health interventions, and agricultural development.

This meeting underscores the collaborative efforts of the 10th House of Representatives, ably led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD to positively impact the lives of all Nigerians through meaningful partnerships and bilateral cooperation.