Invest In Manufacturing, Tambuwal Tells German Firms

ABUJA, March 04, (THEWILL) – German companies operating in Nigeria have been advised to invest more in manufacturing and production sector of the nation's economy.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who gave the advice, Monday, said this would stimulate the transfer of technology as well as create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Tambuwal stated this when he received a delegation of German Parliamentarians led by Uwe Kekeritz at the National Assembly.

He urged the lawmakers to advise German companies operating in the country to be more responsive to the needs of the people in their areas of operation through the fulfilment of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

"I would like to take advantage of your visit to request that you talk to your nationals to get involved in manufacturing in Nigeria.

"What we have are companies mainly in construction, We don't have as much engaged in the manufacturing sector. Your involvement in manufacturing will give employment opportunities to Nigerians as well as transfer of technology.

"I use the opportunity of your visit to also ask that you talk to your companies on Orporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Not much is being done in that regard. And in term of the degradation of the environment particularly in the Niger Delta, we need your support. The issue of desert encroachment and erosion are also areas you can help," he said.

Tambuwal, who later held a closed-door meeting with the German Parliamentary group, also requested formal inter-parliamentary relationship between Germany and Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the German delegation, Uwe Kekeritz, explained that they were in Lagos as part of their itinerary, adding that they also visited the Eko Atlantic City project in Lagos and were highly impressed.

He explained that his group was on a learning visit and requested to know the areas of challenges facing Nigeria and how Germany could help.