Relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Indonesia date back to 1965, when Indonesia opened its resident Diplomatic Mission in Lagos and Nigeria reciprocated in 1976 by opening her Mission in Jakarta, the first ever Sub-Saharan Africa country to do so.

Over the years, Nigeria-Indonesia bilateral relations could be described as warm, friendly and cordial based on mutual respect and understanding. Both countries share common views and interest at various international fora. There have also been an exchange of visits at the highest level, by former President Abdurrahman Wahid who visited Nigeria in 2001 and former President Obasanjo who visited thrice in 2001, 2005 and 2006.

The two countries signed the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2001, which included the establishment of the Joint Commission that the two sides are now working toward its take-off. Also in July 2005, the Federal Ministry of Aviation of Nigeria and Garuda Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in connection with the construction and maintenance of an aircraft hangar in Nigeria to be financed by the private sector. It is expected that this will lead to an Air Services Agreement between the two countries, thereby enhancing travel and contact services.

Presently PT Garuda Maintenance render aircraft services and training to some airlines in Nigeria such as Kabo Airlines. An MOU between the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Corruption Eradication Commission of Indonesia (KPK) was also signed in March 2007.

Other draft MOU/Agreements exchanged between the two countries include cooperation in Gas, Trade, Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment, Agriculture, and Illicit Drugs, in order to give formal expression to the growing economic, trade and investment between the two countries.

The two parties are committed to concluding negotiations on these drafts and have them signed in the very near future. This would be fast-tracked when the Joint Commission takes off.

President Umaru Musa Yar'adua and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia met in New York in 2007 and agreed to strengthen further economic relations between the two countries by increasing trade and encouraging investment. In addition to the number of Indonesian companies established in Nigeria such as Indorama, Indofood, Kalbe Farma and Sayap Mas Utama the two countries are planning a US$2.5 billion gas methanol and fertilizer plant in Nigeria with Pertamina of Indonesia and NNPC of Nigeria in collaboration with Eurochem Indonesia and Viva Methanol of Nigeria. The MOU on cooperation in this field has been exchanged and will soon be signed.

With strong conviction of the two governments, cooperation of the private sectors and the support of the two peoples, we are witnessing a positive paradigm shift on Nigeria-Indonesia relations with a strong bright future.

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