ASABA/Nigeria: In a promising move towards enhancing its developmental landscape, the Delta State Government has expressed its preparedness to form alliances with potential investors, with a focus on fostering the state’s latent potential.
Honorable Samuel Oligida, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, reaffirmed this commitment during an official meeting with a delegation of investors from the Netherlands. The delegation was spearheaded by environmental rights activist, Comrade Sunny Ofehe, and the discussions took place at the Prof Chike Edozien State Secretariat Complex in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
Commissioner Oligida, in his discourse with the delegation, highlighted the urgency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori attached to attracting substantial development to the state, particularly within rural and coastal areas. He emphasized Delta State’s historical appeal to investors and ensured the Dutch visitors that the government stood ready to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of their ventures within the state.
Assuming his role less than twenty-four hours before the encounter, Commissioner Oligida expressed his contentment with the meeting, underscoring the administration’s willingness under Governor Oborevwori to welcome investors who genuinely seek the state’s progress. He assured that Delta State possessed abundant land resources capable of accommodating a diverse range of investments, including those within the tourism sector. The commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment in the region.
Welcoming the investors alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Anthonia Ubogu, Commissioner Oligida urged the delegation to formulate a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the scope of their collaboration. He explained that such an agreement would define the roles and expectations of each party involved and facilitate the state government’s active involvement in the partnership. He emphasized Governor Oborevwori’s enthusiasm for initiatives that would contribute to the state’s infrastructural advancement.
Sunny Ofehe, the leader of the visiting delegation, revealed that a consortium of CEOs and investors from the Netherlands had expressed keen interest in partnering with the Delta State Government across various domains, including security and flood management, sports development, healthcare, maritime, and energy sectors. Ofehe underscored the Netherlands’ wealth of resources and technical expertise that could be channeled into sustainable road construction, dry dock establishment, modular refinery creation, and sports-related projects.
Ofehe indicated that a comprehensive MoU was in the pipeline for the prospective partnership. Given the intricate nature of negotiations and document drafting, Ofehe anticipated its completion by October of this year. He urged the state government to engage in open communication and negotiation while also ensuring a secure environment for both the investors and their investments.
“We’re here to secure the government’s commitment to forging a partnership. Once that is established, we will proceed to outline specific terms of understanding. These concise documents, spanning two or three pages, will delineate the particulars of mutually agreed-upon projects, along with the responsibilities of each party,” Ofehe explained. He further noted that while funding from institutions in the Netherlands and the Caribbean was accessible, any shortfall might necessitate corresponding contributions from the state government.
The Dutch delegation included Mr. Drederik Bos, Prof Ernst Franzek, Mr. Niels Ducaat, Mr. Jacobus Van Wissen, and Joanna Chizomam Nwamadi. Joe Ogbodu, head of media, also formed part of the visiting team.
