Tinubu arrives Japan for TICAD9, eyes investment deals in energy, technology
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where he is expected to push for fresh investments in Nigeria’s energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the presidential wing of Haneda International Airport at 12:50am local time on Tuesday.
He was received by Hideo Matsubara, Japan’s ambassador in charge of Haneda Airport for TICAD, as well as Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, and senior Nigerian embassy officials.
The three-day conference, holding at the Pacifico Yokohama from August 20 to 22, brings together African leaders, development partners and investors under the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu will use the forum to deepen ties with Japan and court new commitments from global firms.
“President Tinubu will be holding bilateral meetings and engaging with top executives of Japanese companies that already have investments in Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
“The President is determined to secure new commitments that will create jobs, improve infrastructure, and support sustainable growth.”
Japan is one of Nigeria’s key Asian trade partners, with bilateral trade topping $1 billion in 2023, driven by Nigeria’s oil and gas exports and Japan’s automobile and machinery exports.
Major Japanese firms, including Toyota Tsusho, Mitsubishi and Marubeni, already operate in Nigeria, while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has supported projects in energy, healthcare and skills development.
Tinubu is expected to highlight ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s investment hub.
At the last edition in Tunis in 2022, Japan pledged $30 billion in public and private investment for Africa.
Observers expect new pledges at TICAD9, particularly in green energy and digital partnerships.
With Japan seeking to diversify supply chains and African nations pushing for more sustainable growth, the conference offers Nigeria an opportunity to secure partnerships that align with its development priorities.
