Guinean Ambassador to Nigeria, Siaka Cissoko, has revealed that there are ongoing mega-projects in Guinea worth about $20 billion that Nigerian companies could participate in.
“As I speak to you, there is an ongoing mega multibillion-dollar project in Guinea, about $20 billion, that could be handled by Nigerian companies,” he said.
The envoy made this revelation while receiving in audience, a delegation from Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) who were at the embassy on a courtesy visit.
Cissoko highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries and expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to share information and foster greater collaboration. He said, “I know, with this new partnership, Nigerians will be aware of the projects and key into it.”
Cissoko also emphasised the economic benefits of the partnership, stating that Guinean businessmen often overlook Nigeria when seeking business opportunities.
“Our businessmen always go to India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries to look for $5m to $10m business opportunities that could be gotten in Nigeria because they don't have comprehensive information,” he said.
He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Guinea and Nigeria through a partnership with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria.
“Guinea and Nigeria have a long-lasting bilateral relationship. It is a good thing that a credible association like yours, the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, is paying us a courtesy visit,” he added.
The ambassador noted that the association's role in sharing information about both countries would be critical in bridging the knowledge gap between them.
“Most of our people in Guinea build their opinion of Nigeria based on the Nollywood movies they are exposed to, but with this partnership, they will get to know more positive things about the country,” he said.
Four Nigerian banks – Access, UBA, First Bank, and Polaris (formerly Skye Bank) – are already operating in Guinea. Cissoko stressed the potential for collaboration in the mining sector, given that both countries are rich in mineral resources.
“We are great mining countries, which Nigerian investors could leverage on the opportunity to invest in our country,” he said.
The ambassador pledged Guinea's readiness to work with the association in various areas, including information exchange, sponsorship, training, and charity work.
“We will support your charity work to ensure that you affect the lives of the less privileged in society,” Cissoko said, extending an invitation for the association to explore and report on the Guinean community in Nigeria.
“I'm pleased to inform you that, whenever we are going there, DICAN will be carried along.”
Responding, DICAN Chairman, Fredrick Idehai, pledged the association's commitment to partnering with the Guinean Embassy in Nigeria.
“DICAN is ready to share information on their business investments and development as part of the partnership,” Idehai stated.
He assured the embassy of DICAN's support, saying, “We will be available to support the embassy at all times.”
Idehai emphasized DICAN's professionalism, noting that “DICAN don't play politics as they are professionals that keep to the ethics of its practice.”
The chairman also highlighted DICAN's charity work. “We also embark on charity work to impart humanity.”
He stressed the importance of information dissemination, saying, “You may have the best of information about your country but if you don't push it out, no one will know what you are doing.”
Guinea and Nigeria have historically maintained generally strong diplomatic relations, particularly since Guinea's independence in 1958. Both nations share close ties within the West African region, and have been actively supporting each other's development and played key roles in regional initiatives.
