By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
Nigeria and Australia are set to strengthen cooperation in vocational education, trade, and investment following the formal accreditation of Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Olusegun Pedro.
Ambassador Pedro presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn AC, during a ceremony held at Government House in Canberra, officially assuming his role as Nigeria’s representative to the Commonwealth nation.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the envoy was accompanied by senior officials of the Nigerian High Commission, including Minister Counsellor Abba Mustapha, First Secretary Paul C., and First Secretary and Head of Chancery, Aminat Adeola.
The statement noted that Ambassador Pedro was received with full diplomatic honours, including a guard of honour, before proceeding to present his credentials to the Governor-General.
Following the ceremony, the Nigerian diplomat held discussions with Mostyn on ways to expand bilateral cooperation between both countries. Key areas of engagement included trade, investment, and vocational education.
Pedro advocated the establishment of a Nigeria-Australia Business Council, describing it as a strategic platform that could facilitate stronger commercial ties, attract investments, and create new economic opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He also emphasized the importance of vocational education and skills development, calling for greater collaboration in the sector to equip young people with practical skills and enhance workforce productivity. According to him, such partnerships would contribute significantly to human capital development and economic growth.
