———I’ll Attract $10 billion Investment To Anambra If Elected Governor NRCCI President, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo
By Kemi Yesufu
Former Deputy Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki led a host of dignitaries who attended the inauguration of the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NRCCI) held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Tuesday.
Also on hand to witness the epoch making event was the minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, former minister of Culture and Tourism Adetokunbo Kayode, Governor Diri Douye of Bayelsa State who was represented by former Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Godknows Igali and National President of NACCIMA Ide John C. Udeagbala.
Speaking at the event which had a large gathering of investors and corporate players, Saraki who was the Special Guest of Honour described the establishment of NRCCI as long overdue. According to Saraki, his visit to the equivalent of the Senate in Russia in 2015 showed that Nigeria and Russia have a lot to gain with a bridge for collaboration like the NRCCI now fully in place.
He noted that much work needs to be done to harvest as many business opportunities between both countries. He however expressed confidence that the President of NRCCI, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo has the capability to FastTrack and deliver on the high expectations that have come with the creation of NRCCI.
He said: “Today’s attendance shows, like the president (of NRCCI) said, there is hunger for a collaboration and close working relationships between businesses. Today has shown us that once you have a chamber of commerce and industry, you can increase trade, increase business partnerships and this will be better for the country at large.
“I speak from experience, as I was in Russia in 2016 as a guest of the president of the Russian Federate Council which is the equivalent of the Upper Chamber, I saw from there that a lot of Russian companies are desirous of coming to Nigeria to do business. I am happy that they are here now and with a chamber established. A country like ours needs this platform to create opportunities for businesses and large market set ups.
“We have a large market; we have a lot of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. We desperately need FDI in order for us to create employment. So, let me commend those who never got tired of making sure that this (NRCCI) is established. Today is the beginning of a new page in business relationship between Nigeria and Russia. It now left for the private sector to seize this opportunity and build on this relationship.
“I believe that a lot of good things can come out of this (NRCCI), led by the president who is hardworking and committed and also by the enthusiasm I have seen myself from the country of Russia to do business in Nigeria”, Saraki added.
Also speaking at the event anchored by Nollywood star, Enyinna Nwigwe, minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Chika Ogah the establishment of NRCCI is a piece of good news to the Federal Government which is keen on diversifying the country’s economy through sectors like mining. He said the Russians who are globally renown for metallurgy engineering are good collaborators in making Nigeria diversify its economy and create thousands of jobs through mining and adding value to its 44 ‘minerals of the future”. Ogah, joined Saraki in commending the president of NRCCI for making the new chamber a reality. This as he stated his confidence in Okonkwo to make NRCCI the catalyst for business between Russia and Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, president of NRCCI Dr. Obiora Okonkwo said the high turnout of Nigeria’s political and business elite at Tuesday’s launch showed the great interest investors from both sides have in doing business.
He said the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will achieve its mandate as the bridge between both countries. He stated that the NRCCI will attract investors who will collaborate with Nigeria to create industries that will boost the country’s export.
Fielding questions from the pressmen on the sideline of the event, Okonkwo who is the Zenith Labour Party governorship candidate for Anambra said that the state will benefit from an investment worth about $10 billion from Russia if elected as governor.
“If I am elected the governor of Anambra State, obviously, the state will benefit a whole lot from Russia in the area of technology, direct foreign investment, infrastructural development, manpower development and many more.
“Russia is prepared they are aware of this my mission and vision to Anambra state, and I can tell you that from preliminary discussions that can easily attract nothing less than $10 billion within a short period of time, they just need to be engaged, they need to be signed on and with me in Anambra State as Governor, I will have the pen to engage, and obviously that will be just the game-changer.
“I think that what we experienced today could just be also the beginning of a new Anambra that we dream about if I am elected the governor only, that is the exclusive package coming from me,” Okonkwo said.
He further stated that Russia is interested in investing in rail in Anambra and if he is elected, he will open talks with the federal government with a proposal to embark on the project.
“They (Russia) have indicated their interest to do surface rail track, we know that railway is a prerogative of the federal government, but the federal government is open and willing to welcome any form of a proposal for development, we will talk and have an understanding with them.
“Russia is ready to open infrastructure for a new town in Anambra state, it is very good for us, they are ready to rebuild our urban renewal, we are already talking with them,” he added.
Speaking generally on the impact of NRCCI, Chief Okonkwo said Russia will strengthen Nigeria’s ability to compete internationally in the area of production.
He said Nigeria will also produce products that will be of international standard and then they will export not only to Russia but to the world over.
He said: “I foresee a situation where a whole lot of Russian manufacturers will relocate to Nigeria to be able to set up to service the African market. So all these things obviously depend on the ability of the government to create an enabling environment for them to prosper.
“The interest is there, the commitment is there, the funding is there, they have set up a huge trust fund to be able to support their business in Nigeria, Russian Export Bank is willing to support businesses and establishment that are coming to Nigeria in multiple billion United States dollars
“The Russian government has acquired one of the biggest shares in AfriExim bank as we speak today, that is to open a window to Africa, and if we do our homework well and do what we are supposed to do I have no doubt that Nigeria will be the biggest beneficiary with me at the helm of the affairs of this chambers of commerce and Industry.”
The event which witnessed high level networking was spiced with traditional dance performances from Nigeria and Russia.
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