Nigeria and Botswana are set to sign several bilateral agreements to enhance economic and people-to-people cooperation.

Botswana’s ambassador to Nigeria, Pule Mpothwe, disclosed this in an interview on the sideline of his country and Nigeria’s independence anniversary on September 30 and October 1, respectively.

Mr Mpothwe said the countries would sign the agreements at the fifth meeting of the Nigeria-Botswana Joint Commission in Gaborone, likely to come up between October and November.

“We are meant to sign agreements in agriculture cooperation, health sector cooperation, defence matters cooperation, judicial and legal assistance cooperation as well as youth and sports cooperation,” he said.

Mr Mpothwe added, “These are some of the framework agreements. Once the two governments put pen to paper, it will be easier for people and businesses.”

He recalled that Nigeria hosted the event in 2018, where both countries signed agreements on cultural affairs.

Mr Mpothwe described the relationship between both countries as cordial but said Nigeria and Botswana should enhance trade and other economic relations for their mutual benefit.

“In the context of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, we should definitely be doing more. Nigeria is definitely the gateway into the massive opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” he explained.

According to the envoy, Botswana will share its experiences with Nigeria in mining and beef production.

“We see the economics in the conflict between herders and farmers in Nigeria. It can be turned around. Some of the cattle farmers in Nigeria can learn good lessons from us to really monetise these cattle because that’s where we were many years ago,” Mr Mpothwe said.

The ambassador further mentioned that the two countries would likely enter into a bilateral air services agreement.

“We will want to attract not just tourists but investors who will build lodges, hotels etc. We want to attract Nigerian travellers. We want them to come and bring their money to us and other African countries, not just go to places like Dubai,” he added.

He hailed Nigeria’s contribution to the growth of Botswana, describing it as massive.

(NAN)