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By Abdullah Ahmed
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana to boost trade, industrial development and job creation across West Africa.
Governor AbdulRazaq made the call while receiving Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, during a courtesy visit to Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, ahead of the maiden convocation of the University of Offa.
The Governor said the two countries must move beyond cordial political relations to deepen economic ties, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, by easing border restrictions and facilitating the movement of goods and services.
He also advocated a common currency for the English-speaking West African countries, similar to the arrangement among French-speaking countries, stressing the need for a clear implementation timeline to accelerate regional economic integration.
Governor AbdulRazaq identified the Trans-West African Highway and the Abidjan-Lagos Coastal Road as critical infrastructure projects that would improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen economic cooperation among West African countries.
He also sought stronger collaboration between Kwara State and Ghana in cocoa production, processing and management, noting that Kwara could benefit from Ghana’s experience as one of the world’s leading cocoa-producing countries.
In his remarks, President Mahama agreed on the need to strengthen bilateral trade between Nigeria and Ghana, observing that economic cooperation should extend beyond the political framework of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
President Mahama, who noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area is headquartered in Accra, said both countries must take practical steps to improve trade and maximise the opportunities offered by the continental trade arrangement.
