The Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria–Netherlands Relations, Sadiq Abbas Tafida, has reaffirmed the panel’s resolve to revitalise Nigeria’s relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, citing strong historical and economic ties between the two nations.

In a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, Tafida recalled that Dutch engagement in Nigeria dates back to 1936, when the Royal Dutch/Shell Group first entered the country.

The company secured an exploration licence in 1938 and struck oil in Oloibiri in 1956, ushering Nigeria into the global oil market. While Dutch oil and gas investments have dwindled in recent years, he said there remains significant potential for renewed cooperation.

Tafida, who recently led a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs as part of efforts to deepen legislative diplomacy, said the engagement aimed not only at institutional collaboration but also at tapping into the minister’s wealth of experience as both a former legislator and a key figure in Nigeria’s foreign policy.

He described the minister as a valuable ally in advancing the initiative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, to enhance Nigeria’s global engagement.

The committee also identified priority sectors for enhanced bilateral collaboration, including agriculture and its full value chain, renewable energy, the blue economy, solid minerals exploration, information and communications technology (ICT), cabotage, and port management.

It also plans to use legislative instruments to review and modernise outdated agreements such as the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to meet global standards.

To achieve these goals, the committee is seeking the ministry’s support in notifying Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in the Netherlands about its formation, facilitating a Note Verbale for an exchange visit to the Netherlands, and establishing a dedicated communication channel between the ministry and the committee.

Tafida expressed gratitude to the minister for the warm reception and reiterated the committee’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate in line with the Speaker’s vision of a proactive and internationally engaged legislature.