[Discourse Summary] RETHINKING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS IN A CHANGING WORLD
Patrick O. Okigbo III in conversation with Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt
On June 18, 2025, Patrick O. Okigbo III, Founding Partner at Nextier, engaged in an insightful conversation with His Excellency Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, examining the current state and future direction of Belgium–Nigeria relations. Drawing on a career that spans multilateral diplomacy, conflict zones, and global environmental negotiations, Ambassador Leenknegt offered a clear-eyed assessment of the bilateral relationship and its place within broader shifts in international cooperation. His previous postings include Geneva, Afghanistan, Kenya, and the World Trade Organization, as well as service as Belgium’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme. His insights brought institutional memory and practical foresight to a conversation offering a candid yet forward-looking appraisal of bilateral engagement.
The Ambassador began by sharing his early impressions of Nigeria, expressing admiration for the striking natural beauty of the Federal Capital Territory and Taraba State’s landscapes, largely unknown to European audiences. He discovered a quiet but diverse Belgian presence across Nigeria: from shrimp fishing operations in Lagos to roofing companies in Enugu and philanthropic infrastructure projects in Taraba. The Nigerian diaspora in Belgium, estimated at 6,000 to 7,000 people concentrated around Antwerp (a key West African gateway), further embeds ties between the two nations.
Although diplomatic ties have strengthened, Ambassador Leenknegt noted the persistent imbalance in trade. Belgium ranks Nigeria’s third-largest export partner globally, yet Nigerian imports to Belgium remain modest. Much of Nigeria’s export profile consists of raw agricultural goods, while refined oil imports from Europe dominate trade flows. This, he argued, is neither sustainable nor desirable. He identified the Dangote refinery as a possible turning point and called for improvements in agricultural processing and compliance with EU standards, especially regarding toxin levels in exports such as groundnuts and cocoa.
He praised partnerships between Belgian universities and Nigerian institutions to build local capacity and raise standards. However, he was frank about ongoing barriers to trade diversification: infrastructure deficits, erratic power supply, and legal uncertainties persist. While established Belgian businesses have adapted to these conditions, new entrants often struggle.
The conversation then shifted to geopolitics, and Leenknegt was clear: the international rule of law is under strain. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine revealed a troubling willingness by some nations to challenge previously sacrosanct norms. In this context, he emphasised that defending the authority of international courts—the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice—is non-negotiable.
He described Europe and Africa as natural allies, united by shared commitments to regionalism and supranational governance. However, he opposed expanding veto powers at the UN Security Council, warning this would worsen gridlock. Belgium and the Benelux bloc support Africa’s call for permanent seats but caution against replicating existing structural flaws.
Belgium’s foreign policy remains rooted in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassador Leenknegt stressed that wealth and pollution come with global responsibilities, and that sustained commitment to sustainability, even in the face of geopolitical backsliding, will deliver long-term technological dividends. He underlined Europe and Africa’s compatibility, citing geographic proximity and shared values as a basis for deepened cooperation.
In development cooperation, Belgium prioritises Least Developed Countries and provides no traditional budget aid to Nigeria. Instead, it views Nigeria as a partner in trade, investment, and enterprise. Humanitarian assistance continues, particularly in the Northeast, with Belgian NGOs such as MSF and the Damien Foundation active in health. While overall development spending faces cuts due to post-COVID constraints and increased defence budgets, Belgium’s humanitarian funding remains intact. The country is also pivoting toward supporting domestic revenue mobilisation and tax reform, contributing to IMF-led initiatives and engaging experts like Nigeria’s Taiwo Oyedele during its EU Council presidency.
Addressing investment barriers, the Ambassador highlighted persistent challenges: power supply, legal uncertainty, and infrastructure weaknesses. Nevertheless, Belgian entrepreneurs with decades of local experience demonstrate that success is possible through trusted partnerships and strategic patience. A Belgian trade mission focused on agriculture is scheduled for November 2025, with interest in cold chains, silo technologies, and waste-to-energy solutions.
In the creative sector, he noted a growing cultural exchange—Belgian-Nigerian fashion shows, photography exhibitions, literary collaborations, and music—all contributing to stronger soft power ties. While these sectors may not yet attract major capital, their impact on bilateral relations is significant.
On technology, Leenknegt acknowledged existing telecom partnerships and emerging opportunities in environmental clean-up and medical innovation. However, Belgian demand for Nigerian tech exports remains limited. He expressed cautious optimism for future growth.
He also addressed Lagos’s lingering image problem in Europe, emphasising that the city is now safer, more liveable, and more innovative than often assumed. He highlighted recent tax reforms and a vibrant social atmosphere, citing “Lagos January” as a striking example of calm and ease of movement. Tourism, he noted, remains an untapped opportunity. Traditional festivals like Ojude Oba and Northern cultural events are little-known abroad. Nigerian cuisine, by contrast, is gaining ground in cities like London and New York, though continental Europe still lags. He suggested that Northern Nigerian cuisine, with its milder spices, could better appeal to European tastes.
On migration, the Ambassador noted a shift in Belgium’s approach. The country now supports structured legal migration pathways, including vocational training and circular migration. Still, he cautioned against treating migration as a cure-all for youth unemployment. Legal routes must be part of a broader development strategy. Belgium has contributed to the Rabat Process and the Global Compact on Migration and Development, and used its EU Council presidency to promote fair and predictable migration rules.
Belgium offers postgraduate and PhD scholarships to Nigerian students, particularly in the life sciences and research fields. While full scholarships are limited, low tuition fees and modest living costs make Belgium an attractive destination. He contrasted this with more expensive systems in the UK and the US, where student loans are the norm.
In the health sector, Belgium engages through companies, NGOs, and official dialogue. A recent MOU on local vaccine production signals deeper collaboration, and public–private partnerships are helping to expand Nigeria’s healthcare value chain. A pharmaceutical event in September will showcase Belgian interest in the sector.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Leenknegt outlined two priorities: launching a joint mRNA vaccine facility for Lassa fever in Nigeria and deploying Belgian agricultural technology to boost yields and support local processing. Both goals, he noted, depend on rebuilding technical capacity and forging genuine partnerships.
He concluded by calling for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s inland waterways. Making the Niger River navigable, he argued, would revolutionise logistics, ease pressure on roads, and unlock new trade corridors. Belgium, with its expertise in dredging and maritime logistics, stands ready to assist.
Click here to watch the discussion between Patrick O. Okigbo III and Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt. Other episodes of Development Discourse with Patrick O. Okigbo III are available here.
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