The British Government has expressed readiness to invest in Delta State
and assist the state to develop its potentials to grow the economy.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Carter who
disclosed this in Asaba yesterday during a visit to the state Governor,
Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, said that the United Kingdom was encouraged by the
infrastructural development and incentives put in place by the
administration.
According to him, the British Government is impressed with the
infrastructures on ground especially the Asaba airport, the wastes
incinerator plants, the Ogidigben Gas city project, the Warri Industrial
Business Park, among others.
“I am here to personally see the infrastructural development progress you
are making in the state and the business opportunities in the state for
the British government and British businessmen”, he stated.
Furthermore, he said: “After seeing some structures put in place by the
Uduaghan’s administration for investment to thrive, British businessmen as
well as the British Council will be delighted to invest in the state”.
“I am convinced that the United Kingdom has a role to play in developing
the economy of Delta State, your airport terminal (the Asaba International
Airport) is head and shoulders above the ones I have seen in Nigeria.
Asaba deserves to be the hub of aviation in Nigeria”.
“I congratulate you for your achievements and I look forward to growing
the partnership between Delta State and the UK and the private sector for
the mutual benefit of your state and my country.”
Carter promised to bring the British Council with its creative initiative
and the creative sector in the state to promote and develop the creative
potentials of the people of Delta State, adding: “the creative industry is
a huge driver of a successful economy as it creates jobs, export talents
and build essential human capital.”
In his remarks, Governor Uduaghan urged the British government to show
more interest in developing the economy of Delta State.
Uduaghan observed that as traditional ally to Nigeria, the British
government should show more commitment towards doing business in the state
and country in general.
According to the Governor, British businessmen can invest in the Warri
Industrial Park, the Ogidigben Gas City project, in the area of
agriculture, solid minerals, among others, noting that the Nigerian
population which is mainly made up of youths also, provides ready market
for the industrialists.
“There is a historical tie between Nigeria and United Kingdom and we are
happy to be part of that historical tie,” the Governor said, adding,
“there is need for improved commercial activities between the UK and
Nigeria especially, Delta state because, Chinese and India are now showing
their presence in Nigeria and Delta State.”
“Delta State is not only the headquarters of Nollywood, we are naturally
talented in the area of comedy and music and I am happy when you talked of
the British Council and its creative initiative, we will work with them to
improve our creative youths.”
Governor Uduaghan particularly urged British investors to key into the
Ogidigben Gas City project and the Warri Business Industrial Park,
assuring that despite the number of investors that have already started
their projects in those areas, there will always be space for British
investors, asserting, “Ogidigben Gas City is the future of the oil
industry in Nigeria.”
He stated that the state is secured for business, observing that security
challenges have been reduced to the barest minimum while institutional
structures have been put in place to check corruption and give confidence
to investors.
