Nigeria, Ghana Discuss River Park Estate Dispute, Vow to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
By Goodness Ekpang
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana while addressing concerns over the protracted dispute surrounding the ownership of River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
Ambassador Ahmed gave the assurance when he received Ghana’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, who visited the Ministry to discuss recent developments in the commercial dispute involving a Ghanaian investor and his Nigerian business counterpart.
During the meeting, the Acting High Commissioner thanked the Permanent Secretary for granting the delegation an audience at short notice and reaffirmed Ghana’s high regard for its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
She explained that Ghana considered it necessary to engage through diplomatic channels to prevent the commercial dispute from escalating into an issue capable of creating unnecessary tension between the two countries.
Dr. Akyea also expressed concern over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals connected to the investment, alleging that recent developments surrounding the disputed property had heightened tensions. She appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate engagement with relevant Nigerian authorities to ensure the protection of lives, property and investments while legal proceedings continue.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the excellent bilateral ties between both countries and assured the Ghanaian delegation that the Ministry places high importance on the welfare of citizens of friendly nations residing in Nigeria.
He noted that while the matter is essentially a commercial and legal dispute, the Ministry would carefully review the concerns raised, prepare a report and make appropriate recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He added that relevant government institutions would be engaged, where necessary, through established diplomatic channels.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of legitimate investments, while encouraging all parties involved to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and lawful processes.
Both Nigeria and Ghana reaffirmed their commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation, pledging to work together to preserve their longstanding partnership, promote peace, protect citizens, encourage investment and ensure that the River Park Estate dispute does not undermine the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
