?The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for a deliberate "co-communication" strategy between Nigeria and the European Union, alongside the adoption of near-shoring business models, to counter negative global narratives and strengthen investor confidence in the country.
?Kalu made the remarks during an interactive diplomatic session in Abuja with EU country ambassadors to Nigeria, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Responding to concerns raised by the diplomats regarding Nigeria's business environment, foreign image, and tourism potential, Kalu emphasized that a substantial communication gap exists between how the country is perceived abroad versus the actual reality on the ground.
He urged European journalists and partners to engage in firsthand reporting rather than relying on hearsay, noting that changing the current narrative is essential to prioritizing and securing investor confidence.
?Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker urged European nations to embrace "near-shoring"—a collaborative economic model that pairs foreign finance and technology directly with local raw materials to foster shared prosperity. Using the agricultural sector as an example, Kalu highlighted that leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources through near-shoring partnerships with EU firms would transition local industries from exporting raw commodities to manufacturing finished products.
He maintained that this approach would reduce the export of raw goods, create sustainable domestic jobs, discourage youth migration, and improve the balance of trade for both parties.
?Kalu concluded by revealing that the federal government is actively working to expand and coordinate Nigeria's tourism assets and investment opportunities to attract long-term EU partnerships. The engagement forms part of an ongoing parliamentary diplomacy initiative led by the Deputy Speaker in his capacity as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee to broaden dialogue on key proposed amendments.
