Canada to invest in agric, technology, infrastructure in Ogun

By Abiodun Lawal

Poised to further strengthen its over 60 years of bilateral relation with Nigeria, Canadian Government has indicated interest in investing in the agricultural, technological and infrastructural sectors in Ogun.

Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jamie Christoff, stated this when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday.

Christoff noted that Ogun had numerous opportunities that could attract Canadian investors.

He stated that he was in the state to know more and discuss with government officials on possible areas of mutual benefit to both parties.

“Canada has a long-standing bilateral relationship with Nigeria, expanding over 60 years. The relationship covers many aspects, but one aspect that I think is very important is economic development.

“For us in Canada, we see potential and interest in agriculture and clean technology; we talk a little bit about infrastructural development as well.

“I came here looking for friendship and representing Canada’s interest, but I can see through my drive here this morning that there are opportunities that will serve both our interests,” Christoff said.

Responding, Abiodun said that the state, with over 16,000 square kilometres of land, was blessed with human and natural resources, adding that the land was suitable for cultivation of food and cash crops.

“We have vast land and resources. We have lots of mineral resources, like limestone, which is about two-thirds of our land, and others, including silica and huge forest reserves.

“All these make us the industrial capital of Nigeria, as most companies have their financial headquarters in Lagos, while their major manufacturing factories are located in Ogun State,” he said.

The governor said the adoption of public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement by the state government was to turn the push to a pull factor, to enable the people gain from the overflow of Lagos.

He added that provision of needed infrastructure, such as good road network, was to open up the state and attract more investors.

Abiodun said that his administration was currently constructing an airport, just as plans were also on to build a seaport at Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and a dry port at Kajola.

He further stated that his government would continue to provide conducive environment to attract more investors into the state.

Abiodun, however, called on Canadian businessmen and women to explore the huge investment opportunities that abound in the state, assuring of his administration readiness to work with them.

(NAN)