Business
Bayelsa Investment Forum To Showcase Potentials
The Bayelsa State Government says it has concluded arrangements to host global business leaders at its maiden investment and economic forum with the theme; ‘unlocking Bayelsa State’s Economic Potentials’ between 16th and 18th of July, 2014.
Disclosing this at a press briefing in Lagos, the State Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, Barrister Kemela Okara, said, the forum is aimed at showcasing the state’s economic potentials to the rest of the World.
The Forum, according to the Commissioner is in line with the present administration’s economic blueprint, which is a private sector driven economy, adding that sizeable number of foreign investors have tapped into this vision.
Aside Oil and Gas, the Commissioner disclosed that the State is blessed with other natural resources that, if properly harnessed, will be of great economic benefit to the would be investors and the government.
According to him, the Forum will focus on Oil and Gas, Agriculture, ICT, Tourism and Hospitality and Power, adding that these are some of the potentials that the government is ready to showcase to the World.
“We are hoping that this forum will create an opportunity for more investors to come and invest in agriculture, aquaculture and farming, which will expand to agro-allied industries.
“Our expectation is to have potential investors from different parts of the world, within Nigeria and Bayelsans in the diaspora to come and take advantage of the various opportunities that exist.”
In line with the administration’s vision of making the State, the Dubai of Africa, the government has provided enabling environment, which includes; adequate security, infrastructures and the legal framework that will be of economic benefit.
Some of the ongoing projects in the State, which are aimed at providing necessary platform for investors include; the Agge Deep seaport, Cargo Airport, the opening up of the three senatorial districts, the World class diagnostic centre, multi billion naira 5-star hotel and a host of others. These projects, when completed will be of economic benefit to the investors and the State.
On the incentives for the investors, the Commissioner explained that, the main incentive for investors, is the “free trade zone we are planning to establish. To establish a free trade zone, there will be non application of local taxation”.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency, Freda Murray-Bruce disclosed, that in the last two and half years, the State has hosted various international events, which is an attestation to the fact that, it is the most peaceful State in the Country.
The Forum, according to her, will feature notable economists cum investors across the globe. This will be an opportunity for the State to showcase its potentials in the following areas; Aquaculture, Technology/infrastructure /ICT and power.
Business
NCAA Certifies Elin Group Aircraft Maintenance

Business
SMEDAN, CAC Move To Ease Business Registration, Target 250,000 MSMEs

Business
Blue Economy: Minister Seeks Lifeline In Blue Bond Amid Budget Squeeze

Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is seeking new funding to implement its ambitious 10-year policy, with officials acknowledging that public funding is insufficient for the scale of transformation envisioned.
Adegboyega Oyetola, said finance is the “lever that will attract long-term and progressive capital critical” and determine whether the ministry’s goals take off.
“Resources we currently receive from the national budget are grossly inadequate compared to the enormous responsibility before the ministry and sector,” he warned.
He described public funding not as charity but as “seed capital” that would unlock private investment adding that without it, Nigeria risks falling behind its neighbours while billions of naira continue to leak abroad through freight payments on foreign vessels.
He said “We have N24.6 trillion in pension assets, with 5 percent set aside for sustainability, including blue and green bonds,” he told stakeholders. “Each time green bonds have been issued, they have been oversubscribed. The money is there. The question is, how do you then get this money?”
The NGX reckons that once incorporated into the national budget, the Debt Management Office could issue the bonds, attracting both domestic pension funds and international investors.
Yet even as officials push for creative financing, Oloruntola stressed that the first step remains legislative.
“Even the most innovative financial tools and private investments require a solid public funding base to thrive.
It would be noted that with government funding inadequate, the ministry and capital market operators see bonds as alternative financing.
-
Sports9 hours ago
Makinde Expresses Readiness To Host Super Eagles
-
Niger Delta9 hours ago
Warri Crisis: Oborevwori Sues For Peace
-
Politics9 hours ago
Experts Want ECOWAS Parliament To Tackle Fake News
-
Sports9 hours ago
Man Utd Lose, Again
-
Rivers9 hours ago
FTAN Gets New State Coordinator … To Push For Tourism
-
News9 hours ago
NDLEA arrests two drug kingpins in Lagos, seizes cocaine, heroine
-
Sports9 hours ago
Group lauds Foundation’s contribution to football, youth dev.
-
Education9 hours ago
Lga boss tasks corp members on diligent service to fatherland