Uduaghan Woos Investors To Delta, Says Environment is very Conducive
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured investors that Delta State is very
safe for investment to thrive.
The Governor who met with investment community in Lagos at the weekend
stated that security challenges in the state have been reduced to the
barest minimum, emphasising that enabling environment has been created for
investors to do business.
Dr.Uduaghan disclosed that the state has two airports at Warri and
Asabawhile the Federal Government is constructing an airstrip at
Ogidigben, adding, that sea ports are located in Warri, Sapele, Burutu,
Koko, and Escravos.
The governor stated that the port at Escravos was being used by an oil
company and plans are on for another deep sea port to be constructed at
Ogidigben.
While linking some of the security challenges that affected the state to
environmental degradation that has affected the people's sources of
livelihood, Governor Uduaghansaid that his administration has engaged in
massive empowerment of the peoplewhich has curbed restiveness or violence,
asserting, “you dare not carry out piracy in Delta Waterways because the
youths in collaboration with JTF will arrest you.”
“There was problem of marginalisation by the Federal Government, state,
local government and oil companies, we have tried to empower our people
because crises are worsened when the people are hungry,” the Governor
said, assuring potential investors of a peaceful environment devoid of
violence ahead of the 2015 election.
According to him, “security issues are being well managed in Delta and I
want to assure you that in 2015, Delta State will not have security
challenges, everywhere will be peaceful,” emphasizing that his
administration was working on a state beyond oil because, “an economy that
is dependent on oil is not sustainable.”
“We have a One-Stop Shop to assist those who want to do business in Delta
State,” the Governor said, noting that work has commenced at the Warri
Industrial Park.
The Managing Director of Control Risk in charge of West Africa, Mr Tom
Griffin said, “Delta State is a land of opportunities,” and observed that
risks involved in doing business in the state are peculiar to what is
happening in other parts of Africa.
Dr Salami who spoke at the occasion, noted that Delta State is the fourth
highest economy in Nigeria, adding, “Delta has the foundation and is
building on those foundation, there is a lot of virgin areas for people to
invest on.”
The Managing Director of Chevron, Mr Andrew Fawthrop, attributed some of
the negative stories from the Niger Delta to media sensationalism, adding
that the area is safe for business.
Chairman of Delta State Economic Advisory Committee, Mr BismackRewane said
Governor Uduaghan's administration was pursuing a development programme
that is not dependent on oil, stating, “we are here to sell investment
opportunities, we want Delta State to be the most attractive investment
destination for investors.”
Others who spoke at the occasion, including Dr David Ige of the Nigeria
National Petroleum Corporation who disclosed that work has commenced at
the gas project at Ogidigben stated that Delta is safe for industries to
thrive.