Investors express interest to partner Akwa Ibom in oil/gas sector, others

Investors in various sectors, including oil and gas as well as vegetable/fruit packaging, have indicated interest to partner the Akwa Ibom State government in the industrial development of the state.

Emmanuel Udontuk, one of the investors, who stated this after a presentation to the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, said they would focus on projects that would boost youth development, support the private sector for job creation and improve the living condition of rural dwellers.

Udontuk, who is the managing director of Mamlakah Port Limited, said his organisation was also interested in the area of fertiliser manufacturing, flour mills, seaport development and cassava processing.

Describing his firm as a professional promoter for consortium of investors expressed optimism that the presentation would yield investments in many of the sectors listed.

Responding, Elijah Akpan, chairman, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with investors using the Public Private Partnership model to boost industrial development.

According to him, the state government is very eager to fast track its industrialisation agenda as part of efforts to create jobs and add value to its numerous mineral resources available, describing the state as conducive for investors.

Rameline Kamga, an international financial expert/chairman, Counselling, Research, Consulting and Investment Nigeria Limited (CRCI), said that a project called ‘JEWEL OF AFRICA’, was also interested in projects that would facilitate poverty eradication and reduction in illiteracy, adding that ‘‘its successful implementation will serve, not only as a model in Africa, but anywhere else in the world where the scourge of poverty finds a resting place and breeding ground.’’