The Honourable Member representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Godwin Idu, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria–Venezuela Friendship, led members of the committee on a historic diplomatic visit to the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Alberto Castellar Padilla, at the Venezuelan Embassy in Abuja.
The visit, described by the Ambassador as “historic,” marked a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Venezuela. Ambassador Castellar warmly welcomed the delegation and revealed a personal connection to Nigeria, sharing that his grandmother is of Yoruba descent and that he proudly bears the Yoruba name “Onioluwa.” He expressed his profound admiration for Nigeria and its vibrant cultural heritage.
In his address, Hon. Emeka Idu outlined the primary goals of the Nigeria–Venezuela Friendship Committee, emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic ties in areas such as political economy, trade, investment, migration, and the welfare of citizens in both countries.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Hon. Idu noted that it aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for Nigerians in Venezuela, particularly for businesspeople and investors. He lauded the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two oil-rich nations, which was commemorated in March 2025, describing Venezuela as a “valued partner and a promising destination for Nigerian investors,” especially in the oil, gas, and agriculture sectors.
The lawmaker highlighted Nigeria’s growing investment presence in Venezuela, citing notable contributions from Atlas Oranto Petroleum, a Nigerian oil and gas firm. Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze, through Atlas Oranto and its subsidiary Veneoranto, has secured significant stakes in Venezuela’s offshore gas fields. In August 2024, the Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA signed agreements with Nigerian firms to jointly develop these reserves, strengthening energy collaboration between both countries.
Hon. Idu also called for the removal of legal and policy barriers hindering Nigerian investors in Venezuela. He advocated for fair trade practices, the abolition of employment restrictions on Nigerians in Venezuela, and the creation of an enabling environment for equitable investment.
During the visit, Hon. Idu proudly introduced Onitsha, which he represents, as one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs, a destination known globally for trade and enterprise. He urged the Ambassador to facilitate the entry of Venezuelan investors into Onitsha’s vibrant marketplace and pledged to encourage his constituents to explore investment opportunities in Venezuela, particularly in the oil, gas, agriculture, and textile industries.
In his response, Ambassador Castellar Padilla described the meeting as unprecedented and deeply appreciated the initiative of the House Committee. He reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria. The Ambassador pledged to relay the committee’s recommendations to the Venezuelan government and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Also present during the diplomatic visit were other members of the sub-committee, including Hon. Ofeoluwa Babajide Ehindero (representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency), Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi (representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency), the clerk of the committee and other Dignitaries.
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