This revelation was made during the 70th Independence Day celebration of Pakistan in Lagos by the Honourary Consul-General of Pakistan in Nigeria, Ahmed Yakasai.
The Envoy said that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Pakistan predated Nigeria’s independence. He disclosed that the trade volume between the two countries was estimated at over US500m in 2015.
However, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Lt. General Agha Umer Farooq, stated that the trade volume has reached more than $900m.
The high commissioner expressed his optimism that the trade volume would improve with President Mohammadu Buhari’s emphasis on agriculture, education and security.
He said: “The trade between Pakistan and Nigeria has increased in the last two years. In my reckoning, it is over $900m right now and it would further improve, especially when president Buhari is giving priority to agriculture, security and education.”
Pakistan’s Independence anniversary is celebrated on August 14. This year’s celebration in Lagos had in attendance the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, among others.