By ifeoma Onyekachi

A former Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Martin Pecina, has visited Nigeria in his capacity as a private sector investor, signalling renewed momentum in economic relations between both countries.

Pecina, who previously served as Minister of the Interior, is now actively engaged in business through companies such as VAE CONTROLS and PROMA REHA. Both firms have already established a foothold in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of industrial automation and healthcare infrastructure, reflecting growing Central European investment interest in Africa’s largest economy.

During the visit, Pecina was accompanied by the Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Tomáš Výprachtický, alongside key diplomatic and business figures including Honorary Consul in Lagos, Josephine Dere Awosika, Economic Counsellor Marie Nwanyanwu, and representatives of the Nigeria–Central Europe Chamber of Commerce such as Dr Paschal Onyemaechi and Tomáš Tureček.

The delegation held high-level discussions with Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri.

Talks centred on expanding bilateral cooperation in critical sectors including healthcare delivery, energy development, and industrial capacity building. In the health sector, Czech firms are exploring opportunities to supply advanced rehabilitation technologies, hospital equipment, and technical expertise to support Nigeria’s ongoing healthcare reforms and infrastructure upgrades.

In the energy sector, discussions aligned with Nigeria’s push to optimise oil production while diversifying into more efficient and sustainable energy systems. Czech engineering and automation firms, known for rail systems, power solutions, and industrial controls, are positioning to support Nigeria’s infrastructure modernisation drive.

Trade relations between Nigeria and the Czech Republic have steadily grown in recent years, with increasing interest in machinery exports, medical technologies, and engineering services. Analysts say this visit could pave the way for deeper private-sector partnerships, technology transfer, and job creation, particularly as Nigeria seeks foreign investment to boost industrialisation and reduce reliance on imports.

The engagement underscores a broader trend of Central European countries strengthening economic ties with Africa, leveraging expertise in manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and energy systems to tap into emerging market opportunities.