By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

The Presidency has said Nigeria?s delegation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is focused on strategic engagements, not a trade exhibition.

In a statement on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said President Bola Tinubu?s delegation is pursuing results in key sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture.

The clarification follows social media reports showing an empty booth labelled ?Nigeria? at the TICAD9 venue in Yokohama, Japan.

Onanuga described the viral narrative as a misrepresentation of Nigeria?s mission at the triennial conference, stressing that the country is not participating as a trade exhibitor.

He noted that while the reports may reflect patriotic concern, they reveal ignorance about Nigeria?s actual objectives at TICAD9.

According to him, Nigeria?s participation is centred on forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships that will support economic growth and development.

Onanuga revealed that the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) will host a targeted investment forum at the conference on Thursday.

He added that ministers are holding bilateral meetings, while President Tinubu will meet executives from Toyota, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading talks on several projects backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including power transmission improvements in Lagos and Ogun states.

Other projects include a partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA on vocational training, and a $190 million renewable energy access initiative.

Adelabu is also scheduled to meet with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as TOSHIBA and HITACHI, on possible collaborations in the power sector.

Onanuga further disclosed that the Bank of Industry, led by Dr Supo Olusi, is engaged in high-level talks with JICA and other multilateral financial institutions.

He affirmed that Nigeria is well represented at TICAD9 and actively involved in all critical diplomatic and investment negotiations. (NAN)

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