By Simeon Nwakaudu
It is no longer news that the Nigerian economy has gone into recession. All over the country, Nigerians are feeling the pangs of the economic crisis. They are eager to exit this ugly phase of the nation’s history.
Exiting this dark era which is impacting negatively on the livelihood of the people requires a united front where all stakeholders will pool their intellectual and natural resources to ensure that the nation is restarted for positive development to take place.
RIVERS STATE AS A PLATFORM
Despite being in the opposition in the national political space, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been a leading voice in the move to recreate the nation’s economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
As such, the governor has built up the security architecture across Rivers State for the protection of critical national assets in the oil and gas sector. This singular effort of Governor Wike has ensured that pipelines are not violated in Rivers State, with the state being the only oil producing territory in the Niger Delta where oil and gas activities are taking place without undue disruptions
Therefore, Rivers State remains the cornerstone of the nation’s economy as it contributes to the national wealth, when others are battling with difficult security challenges. This fact is known to foreign investors, hence more of them prefer to make huge financial commitments in the state.
Importantly, Governor Wike has created the right platform for practical Foreign Direct Investments in Rivers State, which have helped to stabilise the National Economy.
DEVELOPING STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS
Today in Rivers State, there are strategic investments that are playing leading roles in the economy of Nigeria. These investments despite the prevailing economic challenges, are waxing strong.
Indorama Fertiliser Plant and the Notore Fertiliser Plant. These two plants are the largest in this part of the world , playing critical roles in the revival of the nation’s agricultural sector, which is the highest employer of labour in the country.
These two facilities service about 40million farming households across the country.
They have continued to grow because of the favourable investment climate provided by the Wike administration. The governor has personally Interfaced with the managements of the two companies strengthening areas of partnerships and building their operational security through enhanced community relations and participation.
The governor’s regular personal interventions have ensured that all high profile business concerns in the state are shielded from host community conflicts that disrupt production. Whenever a situation arises, he steps in personally to resolve the areas of friction so that economic activities will continue to flourish. That is the selling point of Rivers State under Governor Wike, which makes it easy for investors to commit their resources in the state.
THE NEW MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INVESTMENT IN RIVERS STATE
The GreenGas LNG Facility being constructed by Grenville Oil and Gas Limited in Rumuji community of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State is the new N140billion project that will add value to the economy of the country.
These international investors have followed the footsteps of Indorama Fertiliser Plant and Notore Fertiliser Plant to help in the process of rebuilding the nation’s battered economy.
By December 2016, the first phase of the project will be on stream, providing about 3500 direct jobs. It will provide in the short-term over 40000 indirect jobs across the country.
Chairman of Greenville Oil and Gas Limited , owners of GreenGas LNG Facility, Eddy Van Den Broeke said:”We are in Rivers State to form a partnership with the state government for necessary economic growth “.
He said the project covers 42 hectares and the pipeline architecture will cover different parts of the country, setting off a chain of investment opportunities. At present, hundreds of indigenes and other Nigerians are working at the project site.
He said that on completion, 750 trucks will be loading from the facility, while it will generate 150 megawatts of electricity to serve Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chairman of Greenville Nigeria Limited added that the gas produced at the facility will help other parts of the country produce 600 megawatts of electricity.
GOVERNOR WIKE’S INSIGHTFUL TAKE ON THE PROJECT
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared that the state remains Nigeria’s investment icon with the potential of helping the country exit her current economic recession.
He said that the State is critical to any plan to revive the nation’s economy.
He said: “Despite the negative propaganda being sponsored by opposition politicians in the state, investors have continued to troop to our State. This GreenGas LNG facility which will serve different states in the south and North has attracted over N140billion worth of investment to the country .
“I am happy that our investments in the security agencies have continued to yield fruits with greater investor confidence. For us, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for foreign investors to bring their funds to Rivers State “.
Governor Wike said the project has already started generating employment for the State, pointing out that the cumulative effect when it is completed will further expand the economy of Rivers State.
He urged the people of Rumuji community to cooperate with the investors as they will always benefit from the GreenGas LNG Facility.
“Rivers State is key to the development of this country. Foreign investors know this fact. There is no reason why anyone who wants to develop the economy of this country will ignore this State. Today, the $1.5billionUSD Indorama Fertiliser Plant is on stream and now we are in the process of having the N140billion GreenGas LNG Facility “, Governor Wike said.
STRENGTHENING RIVERS SECURITY ARCHITECTURE FOR MORE INVESTMENTS
Despite the successes recorded so far in terms of improved security in parts of Rivers State, Governor Wike is not resting on his achievements. He has acquired six additional Armoured Personnel Carriers for the police while another 10 Grounded Armoured Personnel Carriers have been repaired for use by the security agencies.
In addition to the gunboats already acquired by the Rivers State Government, Governor Wike has commenced the process of the acquisition of new 20 gunboats for the Nigerian Navy for the effective patrol of the state’s waterways.
To enhance peace across all communities of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike inaugurated the State Amnesty Programme Committee.
The committee has as members, representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services. This committee has the responsibility of consolidating the peace building programmes of the state government for greater investors confidence.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Governor Wike has created a platform for foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector. At present, negotiation has been completed with an Israeli firm for a multi-billion agro-project in the state.
The governor has instituted a process where foreign investors have access to large parcels of land for commercial merchanised farming, with accompanying factories for value added production. The ultimate aim is to create employment and further stimulate the economy.
THE POSITION OF RIVERS STATE AS NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY VEHICLE
The economic challenge facing the country requires the country to put its best foot forward. Without equivocation, Rivers State is the best destination for direct investment in the country today.
This is because upon assumption of office, Governor Wike took out time to build and update the state’s critical infrastructure for the purpose of creating necessary environment for local and foreign investors to bring their funds to the state. The results have been splendid so far.
However, for the entire country to benefit, there is the need for the Federal Government to key in. This entails relegating political considerations.
In Rivers State, investors simply walk into an environment ripe for the much sought after return on investment. With two existing Sea Ports, relative security, international airport, functional rail system, quality road network, available oil and gas facilities and a ready market, no credible investor will shun Rivers State.
Those who always plot to de-market Rivers State for political expediency , must realise that the future of Nigeria rests on the prosperity of Rivers State. There will never be an economic success story in Nigeria, without the involvement of the treasure base of the nation.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,
Electronic Media.
Source: scannews