Direct air links from this country to Lagos, Nigeria will stimulate commerce between the Caribbean and Africa says Deputy High Commissioner of the Embassy of Nigeria Bade Afuye.

Afuye made the comment at the launch of Africa Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company Ltd at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain on Tuesday.

"Once this route is established it is going to stimulate inter-commerce between the entire Caribbean states and Africa," said Afuye.

Chief Bowei Bowei, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company Ltd noted that Nigeria has a population of about 150 million and the company was aiming to tap into one per cent of the population which is about 1.5 million people and two to five per cent over the next five years. 

He said the pan complex established in Nigeria includes a studio with audio-visual training facilities.

Chief Bowei Bowei said entertainment is the fastest growing industry in Nigeria as he pointed out that the movie industry known as Nollywood is the third largest after Hollywood and Bollywood.

He said with an effective marketing strategy the team can tap into the Nigerian markets.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Margaret Parillon delivered an address on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran. 

She said this initiative will expand and strengthen the historical and cultural ties between this country and Nigeria

"Pan Trinbago must be commended for this interest which represents the first foreign initiative made by the organisation and the opportunity for us to focus on emerging markets in Africa," she said.

"The monetisation of culture is key to the diversification and sustainable development of the economy as Trinidad and Tobago seeks to promote its services and creative industries to its competitive advantage" she added.