By 
Nigeria and Kenya last evening signed three agreements and four Memoranda of Understanding meant to improve economic, social and developmental ties between the two countries.
The function at which the signing ceremony was held took place at Nigeria’s state house in Abuja and was witnessed by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s President Jonathan Goodluck.
The agreements are aimed at promoting trade between the two countries. They were on trade and agricultural cooperation which lay the foundation for business people from Kenya and Nigeria to work together.
Another one was on immigration matters and seeks to ease the movement of people between Kenya and Nigeria.
Among the memorandums of understanding signed was one on cooperation in police service, five-year multiple visa for prominent businesspersons, cooperation in control of the possession trafficking in narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances.
There was also one between Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. That one was signed at a business forum attended by Kenyan and Nigerian business people.
The presidents expressed satisfaction at the ongoing efforts to deepen trade relations between the two countries.They acknowledged that increased trade flows were not only important for the development of the two countries but were also critical in building intra-Africa trade –an important ingredient towards full integration of the continent.
A statement later released by the two presidents said,“A Joint Business Council was established in Abuja which aims at bringing together private sector players from Kenya and Nigeria.”
They also affirmed their commitment to work together in promoting peace and security in the continent.They expressed concern over the crises in the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
“An African country investing in another African country is what we would like to see more often going into the future,” President Kenyatta said.
President Jonathan said the acts of terror in Africa are diversionary tactics employed by groups that do not want to see the continent moving forward.
He commended President Kenyatta for the courage he has shown in not aborting his visit to Nigeria because of the terror attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa.
“These people will not succeed in preventing Africa from progressing. Our determination to move the continent forward is unstoppable,” said President Jonathan.