The government of Canada has expressed interest in making investments in the agricultural and technological areas that make up the economy of Ogun State, which is expected to deepen the bilateral connection that it has maintained with Nigeria for over 60 years. On Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the Governor’s Office located in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Mr. Jamie Christoff, the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, revealed that the country he represented was also keen on the infrastructural advancement of the state.
Ambassador Christoff observed that Ogun offers several potentials that might attract Canadian investors. He stated that he was in the state to learn more and engage with government officials on subjects that might be of shared interest to both countries’ governments. The economic growth of Nigeria is one of the many facets that are covered by Canada’s long-standing, bilateral connection with Nigeria that dates back to many years ago. Although this relationship includes a wide range of subject matters,
Human and natural resources attract foreign investors.
In response, Governor Abiodun remarked that Ogun, comprising over 16,000 sq. km., is rich in both human and natural resources, with much of the area being conducive to the growing of food and cash crops. Both their land and its resources are enormous. About two-thirds of their land is limestone, and they also have silica and large amounts of forest reserves. Given that most companies in Nigeria operate their financial headquarters in Lagos while their main manufacturing units are in Ogun State, they can rightfully claim the title of the industrial capital of Nigeria.
Also, there are two of the largest cement plants in Nigeria, and possibly all of Africa, located there. He said that the city’s position as Nigeria’s industrial centre and its closeness to the country’s major seaports and airports, as well as its extensive network of gas pipelines, had made it an attractive option for foreign investors. By providing necessary infrastructure like a good road network, he hopes to open up the state’s economy and attract a greater number of investors, emphasizing that the implementation of the Public Private Partnership was meant to transform an incentive into a factor that draws investors.
More transformation will be achieved with the state administrative plan.
Furthermore, the governor explained to the Canadian envoy that the state was special and strategically positioned and that his administration was working on building an airport at the same time that preparations were being made to establish a seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area as well as a dry port at Kajola. He added that the five pillars of his administration, which include Infrastructure, Social Well-Being, Education, Youth Development and Empowerment, and Agriculture (ISEYA), were intended for the benefit of the populace and that his administration would keep creating an atmosphere that would draw in more investors.
He, therefore, encouraged businesspeople in Canada to take advantage of the enormous investment prospects that abound in the state, promising them that his government was prepared to collaborate with them. He also extended his congratulations to the Canadian diplomat on his promotion, noting that the extensive and valuable experience he gained while serving his country in a variety of African countries had adequately prepared him for the challenge that lay ahead and stating that the state was excited to collaborate with Canada for the mutual good of both parties.
Christoff seeks to promote Canada’s interest in the state.
Lastly, the ambassador pointed out that for those in Canada, they see opportunities as well as enthusiasm in the sector of agriculture as well as clean technology, and they conversed to some extent about the development of infrastructure as well. Therefore, he came to the state in search of friendship and to promote Canada’s interests; nevertheless, he was able to realize during his journey there that there was potential there that would benefit both of their interests.
Related Link
Ogun State: Website
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