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Tag: Benin Industrial Park

  • NCDMB backs Benin Industrial Park

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, has thrown his weight behind the Benin Industrial and Enterprise Park (BIEP).

    He said the agency was concluding arrangements on investments from oil and gas firms to be hosted at the Park.

    He made this known when Governor Godwin Obaseki led a delegation to the board’s office in Abuja.

    Wabote said NCDMB would support the initiative aimed at improving the economy and wooing more investors to the oil and gas sector.

    The Benin Industrial and Enterprise Park will be serviced by a dedicated gas pipeline with direct interconnection to natural gas trunk line and a direct gas sales agreement with reliable gas suppliers.

    The park is sponsored by the Obaseki-led administration and Amaya Capital, a principal energy investment firm, with a commitment to ensure that the park kicks off next year as a private-sector led industrial park.

    The BIEP provides efficient and competitive infrastructure to international and local firms, and will be developed in phases on a 900-hectare site located along the Benin-Sapele Road. It has a designated area for oil and gas service firms.

    Wabote said the agency has  budgeted for the Park, particularly for land acquisition.

    He said the board would also be willing to partner the Edo government to catalyse other sectors provided there would be a return on such investments.

    “There is a lot we can do in the gas corridor in Edo. We have to diversify from crude oil in order to change the thinking in the Niger Delta,” Wabote said.

    Obaseki explained that the BIEP would take advantage of “significant gas reserves within the state, being on the route of the core Escravos to Lagos gas trunk line with a capacity of approximately two billion cubic feet of gas per day”.

  • World Tourism Day: Obaseki targets global industry’s over $1.260trn revenue

    …says robust culture, seaport, industrial park, others will drive tourist traffic to Edo

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr.  , has said the ongoing effort at repositioning the tourism sector through the development of a tourism master plan and the investment in the Benin River Port as well as the Benin Industrial Park would earn the state her fair share of the global tourism revenue, estimated at $1.260 trillion according to 2015 figures.

    Obaseki gave the assurance on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, each year.

    According to the governor: “We are impressed with the positive outlook of the global tourism sector and we are repositioning our domestic arm to take its slice of the trillion dollar-industry.

    “We are blessed with clement climate and have highly sought-after flora and fauna. Our people are hospitable and have continued to play host to people from far and near, since pre-colonial times.”

    He said that work has commenced on the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Edo Festival of arts and culture (EDOFEST) which he explained “would showcase the rich and colourful culture of Edo people.”

    Obaseki added: “The Edo Innovation Hub is pulling traffic of tech-entrepreneurs and thousands of people aspiring to tap into the opportunities in the technology industry, from across the world. We are resolute about making Edo Innovation Hub the Silicon Valley of Nigeria in the coming months.

    “The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium being revamped will be open for international sporting competitions in the first quarter of next year, barring any hitches from the contractors. The 20 mini-stadia, when completed, will serve as grooming grounds for raw talent that will re-enact our glorious days in sports.”

    On this year’s theme: “Tourism and the Digital Transformation,” Obaseki noted that “it is a beautiful coincidence that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is highlighting the impact of digital technology on human advancement and transformation at a time the Edo State Government has set up an innovation hub to equip Edo people with in-demand tech skills.

    According to the UNWTO, “tourism is a key sector in the world. Over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, and it has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, benefiting destinations and communities worldwide.”

    The organisation said that the question of the opportunities that technological advances like big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms provide to tourism and sustainable development, will be answered at the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2018, where digital advances and innovation take centre stage to bring together continued growth with greater sustainability in tourism.

    Read Also: Obaseki commences health improvement programme

    “This year, we will highlight the need for investment in disruptive digital technologies that can foster an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.

    “The celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.

    The global tourism body’s fact sheet shows that “International tourist arrivals worldwide have grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.3 billion today Similarly, international tourism revenues earned by destinations around the world have grown from 2 billion US dollars in 1950 to 1.260 trillion in 2015.

    “The sector represents an estimated 10 per cent of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs globally.”

    The UNWTO said it expects that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3 per cent annually until 2030, adding “This growth reflects the progressive expansion of access to tourism thanks to the decline in the price of transport, especially air transport, and growing middle classes worldwide.

    The recognition of the right to holidays in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the improved adoption of labour rights in many countries, have also supported the coming of age of tourism. These factors also serve as a backdrop for the resilience shown by tourism in recent years. The sector has experienced almost uninterrupted growth despite challenges such as the global economic crisis, natural disasters and pandemics.”

     

  • Obaseki extols S/South growing confidence in devt. framework

    …highlights Edo State’s gains from China summit

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the growing confidence of members of the South-South Cooperation framework in their ideals which include partnership on specified development goals.

    Obaseki gave the commendation on the occasion of the celebration of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, marked on September 12, each year.

    According to the governor, “member states share similar developmental aspirations and goals and it is heart-warming to see the renewed faith in the ideals of the south-south cooperation in our collective drive to unlock our growth potential.”

    He noted that “the recent deals with some Chinese investors at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to develop the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin River Port, the modular refinery and a Chemical Engineering programme to be situated in a university in Edo State, demonstrate the scope of the South-South cooperation and the opportunities that lie within.”

    He charged member states to close ranks and leverage on the opportunities that lie within the union to change the narrative of countries, south of the equator to that of prosperity.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds charitable bodies’ work in North East

    “We must see the large population of countries in the south as an opportunity and not a threat or burden. While some countries are looking for ways to address the challenges of an ageing population, we are blessed with a large army of young people that can lead the future if we equip them with in-demand industry skills.”

    Obaseki further harped on huge investment in research and development to address the peculiar health challenges, women’s issues and dearth in technical manpower in some of the member states.

    According to the United Nations, “South-South cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the South that contributes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

    The UN explained that the cooperation is done through a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Involving two or more developing countries, it can take place on a bilateral, regional, intra-regional or inter-regional basis. Developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources to meet their development goals through concerted efforts.”

    The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south and highlights UN’s efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries.

  • Obaseki finalises investment with Chinese firms

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is finalising investment decisions with partners in China for the development of the Edo Modular Refinery, Benin River Port and the Benin Industrial Park, on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

    The governor is in China, with Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who led the country’s delegation to the summit, where it is expected that both nations will strengthen investment ties and boost bilateral trade.

    The state government had earlier signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some of the company’s during an earlier visit to China, and the input from the Federal Government for the projects would clear the way for their take-off.

    The Chinese companies include the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited, which has concluded preliminary work for the commencement of the Benin River Port, in Gelegele.

    Three developers have been penciled down to spearhead the development of the Benin Industrial Park while a Chinese consortium made up of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC), SINOPEC International Petroleum Service Corporation (SIPS), which is a subsidiary of SINOPEC, the top chemical giant in the world and African Infrastructure Partners (AIP), are to develop the Edo Modular Refinery, which is expected to gulp N2.1 billon.

    Before leaving for China, Governor Obaseki had approved at the last state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting the sum of N700 million to be invested in the Edo Modular Refinery project from the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) fund, deepening the state government’s commitment to the project.

    The deal for the 5500bpd modular refinery has a component that provides for a fabrication yard, which will train Edo citizens on welding, refinery operations and fabrication works to enable them participate in the construction of the refinery as well as its operation.

    With the agreements, it is expected that the investors, will soon arrive the state for the kick-off of the projects, after the state obtains all necessary regulatory approvals.

  • Vlisco, Obaseki heighten talks to locate factory in Benin Industrial Park

    … as Edo aims to become textile Hub

     

    The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that fruitful negotiations are ongoing to attract Vlisco, one of West Africa’s largest textile companies to set up at Benin Industrial Park (BIP), as the state plans to reposition the state as a textile hub in the country.

    He stated this when he received the executive members of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, led by the chairman, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

    Read Also:Igarra Bank Robbery: Obaseki visits victims

    The Benin Industrial Park is a landmark industrial complex being developed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration close to Benin City, that is set to stimulate large scale industrialisation and create wealth for Edo people and residents. The park, which is expected to cover 996 hectares of land, will host textile, agro-processing, equipment manufacturing and other industries.

    The governor said his administration is focused on building the manufacturing hub, which will be sited in a secure environment, where there will be stable electricity supply, water, and other basic needs to enhance the ease of doing business and allow members of the union to work 24 hours a day to allow for mass production.

    Noting that the state is keen on becoming a textile hub, he said, “We are negotiating to attract one of the largest textile companies (Vlisco Textile) to Edo State to reside at the industrial park, in Iyanomo, to make the state a textile hub in Nigeria.”

    “We want to develop the state and create wealth for Edo people by increasing economic activity in the state. We want to ensure our state is developed and promote an environment that attracts investors to contribute to the development of the state,” he added.

    He assured that his administration will make it a policy to allow the union sew uniforms of students in the state to deepen government’s partnership with members of the union.

    Earlier, leader of the delegation, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa thanked the governor for his continued support for them, stressing that they will continue to play their role in supporting the administration.

    He commended the governor for his drive to create 200,000 jobs for the people of the state and expressed the readiness of the union to partner with his administration.

    He appealed for the establishment of a cottage fashion industry, which can be managed by the union.

  • FG approves upgrade of Benin Airport to Int’l standard

    FG approves upgrade of Benin Airport to Int’l standard

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has said that the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard with a cargo terminal.

    The minister disclosed this during his courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday.

    Sirika said the approval was due to the fact the Benin Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and that the zone needs a standard international airport to serve its growing economic interests.

    He added that the airport will be fitted with necessary facilities within 12-months, as part of the plans to upgrade it to an international standard.

    He said that “Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions.

    “There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it handle high volume of traffic with capacity to accommodate cargo planes.”

    Sirika further said, “Aviation connects businesses, trade, cultures, nations and people. With a standard airport in place, it becomes easy to achieve economic growth and development. We will work with Edo State Government to ensure that within the next 12 months, Benin Airport will become an International Standard Airport with all the necessary aviation equipment in place.”

    Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the effort to make the Benin Airport an International Airport, noting, “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”

    He said the federal government has shown commitment to support efforts to industrialise the state.

    According to him, “Our hope is that all the economic activities that will be generated from this critical investment will drive commence across the state and the country”.

    He said his administration has taken giant stride to establish Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Sea Port and other laudable investments.

    “The effort this administration has made since assuming office is gradually paying off with the assurance coming from the Minister that in a couple of months, work will commence in Benin Airport to upgrade it to international standard,” Obaseki said.

    He added, “This administration is working hard to transform Edo State to an economic hub. What is missing is rail transport linking the state with other parts of the country. The upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard will complement our strategic geographical location.”

  • Obaseki, Mahindra group conclude arrangement on Benin Industrial Park

    Obaseki, Mahindra group conclude arrangement on Benin Industrial Park

     …Report on sequence of project implementation ready

     

    All is set for the smooth take-off of the planned Benin Industrial Park with the receipt of the Preliminary Report by Governor Godwin Obaseki from the Mahindra Group in India, on Monday.

     

    A visibly elated Obaseki, who is accompanied by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kadiri Bashiru, on the investment drive in Asia, said the Industrial park would serve as the catalyst for the industrialisation of Edo State.

     

    Receiving the Preliminary Report of the Industrial Park from officials of Mahindra Group, at their headquarters in Chennai, India, Obaseki expressed confidence in the capacity of the company to deliver the project in line with the vision of the state government.

     

    The governor said he “was impressed with the Preliminary Report by the Mahindra Group, which outlines the sequence of the project implementation, after their visit to Benin City for a thorough assessment of the economic viability of developing an industrial park in Edo State.”

     

    He explained that the project was well thought out, as it would maximise the location of Benin City, from where all parts of the country can be accessed, coupled with the abundance of natural gas, the low cost of production, access to water and availability of affordable labour.

     

    He assured that his administration was committed to leveraging on the gains of technology to boost economic activities by replicating in Nigeria, a Silicon Valley.

     

    “We visited the headquarters of the Indian company in March, this year, to share our idea of an Industrial Park with officials of the company. Three months later, the company came to Benin City for a feasibility study and today we are happy that we are ready to hit the ground running” Obaseki said.