President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that Nigeria strongly believed in the unity of African nations, and would continue to work with all countries in the continent to enable mutually beneficial relationships.

President Jonathan was speaking to the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Msuya W. Mangachi, at the presidential villa.

"African countries must work together for the overall benefit of the continent, and we believe we can play a positive role in strengthening Africa", he said.

Jonathan said Nigeria was concerned about peace and stability in the continent, adding that the proliferation of small arms was contributing to the crisis.

He commended the outgoing High Commissioner for bringing the two countries closer during his five-year tenure, citing the on-going construction of a cement plant in Tanzania by Alhaji Aliko Dangote as reward for his work.

Earlier, Mr. Msuya Mangachi commended "Nigeria's wonderful and consistent foreign policy", adding that, "Nigeria is a friend and brother in deed".

The outgoing High Commissioner said his country's economic diplomacy had been successful, with the on-going construction of a 2.5m metric tonne per year cement plant by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the opening of branches of some of Nigerian banks in Tanzania.

He thanked President Jonathan for the support he enjoyed during his tenure in Nigeria.