The Namibian government has said it is poised to deepen the bilateral relationship that exists between the country and Nigeria and by extension the Lagos state government.
Speaking at a Media and Stakeholders Forum held in Lagos, to commission the new visa processing centre, the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Humphaey Geiseb, said the country which has a well-developed economy and conducive environment for doing business has a wealth of natural resources including uranium, diamond, gold zinc, lithium, cobalt, and copper which are the primary sources of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
He said there are opportunities for companies that provide equipment and services to mining operators, noting that the government is seeking to attract foreign investors to participate in public private partnership (PPP), particularly in the health, transportation and housing sectors.
He added that a law to facilitate PPPs was passed in 2017 and implementation is ongoing.
According to him, Nigerians who love to relax and those willing to invest can take advantage of the many tourists’ attractions and investment opportunities that abound across the country. He added that opportunities exist to introduce new consumer goods and manufacturing investments for both local and international markets.
He stated that there are a lot of opportunities to collaborate with the Lagos State government in the film industry, pointing out the government is giving incentive to movie producers who are willing to shoot their films in Namibia.
He said: “There are a lot of projects that we can pursue that can be a win, win for both countries. There is a joint commission project which was setup last year for the purpose of identifying areas where we can work together.”
Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode who also spoke at the event, said there are a lot of things Namibia and the states can benefit from each other.
The governor, who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said the state has a lot to offer in in terms of entertainment, tourism, hospitality noting that there is a need to for exchange of cultural value which can be beneficial to both countries.
He said both countries should be involve in marketing the rich tourism potentials available in Namibia and Nigeria adding that African countries should be able to exchange ideas and promote the free movement of people among African states.
He said the state be willing to collaborate with Namibia in the film industry.
Also at the event, the Honorary Consul to Namibia, Mr Justin Chukwuma Anosike, said Namibia is a country with very friendly people that has a lot of amazing places to be discovered. He added that the country has policies that are business friendly and is open for investors.
