New High Commissioner to Strengthen Jamaica and Nigeria Bilateral Relations

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Lincoln Downer says one of his main goals is to nurture and strengthen the good relations between both countries, at the government and people-to-people levels.

“Jamaica is very well-known in Nigeria. They are talking about Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and Reggae music in general. So, people are knowledgeable about Jamaica no matter where you go,” he said, adding that people often respond with respect when they hear that you are from Jamaica.

The High Commissioner who took up his appointment in Abuja, Nigeria, last October, after serving as Consul General in Toronto, Canada, is also accredited to several other countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierre Leone, Morocco and Cameroon.

Speaking about plans to improve the relationship, he said that a cooperation agreement is under discussion between Jamaica and Nigeria, focusing on the areas of energy, sports, trade and investment.

“We were in the throes of planning a trade mission with our counterparts in Jamaica, unfortunately that didn’t come off right now, but that is one of the programmes that remains a priority for me to explore and promote trade and investment,” he said during an interview with JIS News.

The High Commissioner also informed that he has met with representatives of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organisation that promotes the interests of the business community in Lagos, Nigeria.

Additionally, Mr. Downer mentioned that discussions were held with tourism stakeholders in Abuja to explore ways to increase travel between the two countries.

“Already, the Commission has up to 1,000 applications for visas to Jamaica. So, Nigerians visit Jamaica for employment purposes, for tourism purposes, also students visit,” he said.

“So, there is a growing interest in Jamaica so we are seeing how we can now work with tour operators to grow the market and also have some sort of a reciprocal engagement so that’s in gestation as we speak,” he added.

The High Commissioner further stated that the Nigerian business community are focused on opportunities “in tourism, food manufacturing, transportation and to a lesser extent oil and gas.”

Mr. Downer said that the High Commission has been providing information to the business community in Nigeria and “showcasing that Jamaica is interested in doing business with the largest economy in Africa”.

“So, both sides really need to understand more about each other, what are the opportunities, what are the incentives so that is something the High Commission will be facilitating,” he added.

The High Commissioner emphasised that the African market is one that should not be overlooked.

“We have to showcase that Jamaica is interested in doing business with the largest economy in Africa over 200 million, the population of Nigeria. So, you really can’t ignore that this market is one that should be leveraged,” he said, noting that the Commission has been promoting Jamaica’s logistic industry, tourism and food manufacturing.

In April, High Commissioner Downer presented Credentials to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Recently a church service to commemorate Jamaica’s 62 Independence Anniversary was held by representatives of the RCCG (Redeemed Christian Church of God) Throne Parish in Abuja, Nigeria.