The Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Edward Nduwimana, has urged Nigeria to urgently resume the provision of crude oil to his nation, warning that the suspension of the long-standing association continues to have an effect on Burundi’s power capability.
Nduwimana made the attraction throughout an interplay with journalists in Abuja, the place he additionally referred to as for the fast reconvening of the Everlasting Combined Fee for Cooperation between each international locations to revive stalled agreements and unlock new {economic} partnerships.
Nigeria had beforehand provided Burundi with about 45,000 barrels of crude oil per day underneath a bilateral Treaty that ran between 2008 and 2014, earlier than it was halted amid reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The envoy mentioned the association had performed a significant position in stabilising Burundi’s power provide and supporting {economic} actions, including that its suspension created a big hole within the nation’s power wants.
“Burundi needs to precise its gratitude to the Nigerian folks, via their establishments, for the help offered since 2008 via the provision of crude oil,” he mentioned.
“This help helped mitigate the results of the power deficit in my nation. We perceive that the suspension in 2014 occurred in a selected context, pushed by the federal government’s want to restructure the sector.”
Regardless of the interruption, Nduwimana expressed optimism that Nigeria would think about restoring the association within the spirit of African solidarity and mutual profit. He famous that discussions are already ongoing to revive the partnership as a part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
He additionally harassed the urgency of reconvening the cooperation fee in 2026, noting that its final session was held in Bujumbura in 2021. Based on him, the assembly would offer a possibility to evaluate previous commitments, resolve excellent points, and chart a brand new course for collaboration.
“The second session will signify an vital step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Burundi and Nigeria,” he mentioned.
The ambassador added that the proposed engagement would concentrate on key sectors together with commerce, training, tourism, mining, and agro-industry, whereas additionally strengthening authorized frameworks wanted to help joint initiatives and funding flows.
“Our ambition is to realize concrete commitments that ship tangible outcomes for our two international locations and their populations,” he mentioned.
Past diplomatic efforts, Nduwimana invited Nigerian companies and traders to discover alternatives in Burundi, describing the nation as an rising funding vacation spot in East Africa.
He famous that Burundi serves as a gateway to the East African Group market and gives prospects in agriculture, mining, power, infrastructure, and tourism.
“Burundi is a secure nation, open for enterprise, and dedicated to bettering its funding local weather,” he mentioned.
The renewed push underscores Burundi’s willpower to revive its power partnership with Nigeria whereas increasing cooperation into commerce, funding, and regional integration.
Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria