The Rivers State government has made a case for the return of investors from UK and other western countries to the state.
The deputy governor of Rivers state, Ipallibo Harry Ibanigo, who represented Governor Nyesom Wike made the appeal at the presentation of a documentary, ‘Defiant Embers’, sponsored by the British High Commission in Nigeria. The documentary, which was produced by Chioma Onyenwe highlights the diversity of opportunities in the oil region and the challenges.
Highlighting the fast pace development taking place in Rivers state, the deputy governor explained that Governor Wike has prioritised the opening up of many roads in the state which is aimed at opening up the urban and rural areas of the state. She also talked about the governor’s roads to farm initiative that will aid the movement of goods and people across the state and facilitate the ease of doing business.
“Rivers State, under Governor Nyesom Wike, has embarked on massive road infrastructure development which the state has undertaken to open up Port Harcourt and make it investor-friendly. Also rural road projects are opening up agriculture produce routes.”
The deputy governor also told the British High Commissioner that Governor Wike was delighted with the documentary that highlights the economic potential in the Niger Delta and the fact that it is sponsored by the British Council.
“We thank you for highlighting the diversity of opportunities and the challenges in the region. The Niger Delta region is an important zone that is worthy of national attention. Sadly, despite the regions huge oil wealth, 70 per cent of the people still live below $2 per day. Only huge investments in the region can change this.”
She identified some of the issues faced by the Niger Delta to include; poor road infrastructure like the East-West road, neglect of the sea ports, and a poor image which has led to investors fleeing the region. She cited the example of the US$18 billion Dangote Petrochemical project which was been located in Lagos instead of the Niger Delta.
The deputy governor however made it clear that democratic stability was important for economic growth and progress. “So, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections to boost this political stability needed for economic growth.”
Paul Awkright, the British High Commissioner, called for the clean-up of the oil region and the reduction of incidences of kidnapping and other violent acts to encourage UK investors to return to the Niger Delta.
“The reputation of the Niger Delta in the UK is damaged by two major factors; environmental pollution and insecurity especially violence. These are two major things that has stopped British investors from returning to the Niger Delta. So, clean up the region to restore a thriving fishing industry and investors would want to look in. Also, kidnapping and insecurity drive British people away. If you keep having these two key problems, investors won’t come.”
However, Awkright said the UK recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of the Niger Delta. He also advised that “There is need to promote the involvement of women in the business sector. Disabled persons also need to be integrated into economic activities in the region.”
The British High Commissioner also visited the Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, where he also thanked the people of the state for their warm reception and said he was genuinely pleased to be in the state which he described as the heart of the Niger Delta Region.
“I am particularly pleased that I am here for the commissioning of a girl’s school. I have a daughter. I know how important it is to see girls educated; that they receive a minimum of 12 years of quality education. When they are educated, they marry later. When they marry later, they have fewer children. They can contribute to the economy. They can fulfil their dreams”.
