Governors Showcase States’ Potentials at Dubai Investment Summit

Some Nigerian governors recently in Dubai presented to United Arab Emirates (UAE) businessmen and investors their states’ comparative advantages. The governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) are in Dubai for the annual investment meeting. The governors are seeking foreign direct investments of up to $15 billion from businesses and organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his speech, Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu said his state is one of the smallest in Nigeria in terms of landmass but is the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) capital of the country.

According to him, “it is easy to open a business in Abia. It is perhaps the safest state in Nigeria and has one of the most fertile soils.”

On his part, Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel said his state has the second-highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria.

He disclosed that his state is Nigeria’s best secret saying that Akwa Ibom is the only state with an airline.

“It is the safest place to work, live and invest in Nigeria. We have conquered all sectors,” he added.

Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diyi said the state has an economy of $4.3 billion and is the first on the ease of doing business in the south-south and second in Southern Nigeria.

For Enugu State, represented by the commissioner for finance, Adaonah Kene- Uyanwune, the state is looking for investors in three core-specific areas – agriculture, ICT, and power.

Sokoto and Bauchi States were represented by commissioners and they also pitched their states’ strengths to the investors.