▪ Governor Wike says Rivers is safe for investments
By Valentine Amanze
Senate President Bukola Saraki has laid the foundation for the construction of the Fertiliser Train 2 of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited.
Also, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, declared that the $3.2 billion (USD) for the development of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited was an investor’s destination.
Besides, the Senate president tacitly endorsed the Rivers State governor for a second-term when he declared he would be in office in 2021, when the Train two of the Fertiliser Plant would be commissioned.
Performing the flag-off, Senate President Bukola Saraki said that with $3.2 billion invested in Rivers State by the foreign investors, it showed that Rivers people were receptive to investors.
He said: “I am congratulating the people of Rivers State for creating the right environment for this investment. I like the example that Rivers people are setting for others to follow”.
The Senate president noted that the successful production of urea in Rivers State, which is used mostly by northern farmers, underscores the need for national unity.
“Urea Fertiliser products are used by farmers, especially in northern part of the country. That tells us that we must unite. We must support ourselves irrespective of party affiliation .
“Without peace, there will be no urea. For all of us in Nigeria, let’s work in the interest of our country “, he said.
The governor said Nigeria cannot diversify the economy without developing the agricultural sector.
While commending the management of Indorama, the Senate president assured that the National Assembly would support the growth of the plant.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, said that Indorama has performed creditably through quality investments in the state.
Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government would sustain the creation of a peaceful environment for the protection of Indorama’s investment.
“We are beneficiaries of the dividends of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Petrochemicals Limited. We are happy with the management of the company “, he said.
The governor wondered why anyone would say that Rivers State is not safe for investments, when the Foreign Direct Investment by Indorama has hit $3.2 billion.
“I am happy that within my time as Rivers State governor, we commissioned the first train and the flag-off of the second train for the Fertiliser Plant.
“If an investment of $3.2 billion can be in Rivers State , how can anyone say that Rivers State is not safe. The Nigeria you are hearing is Rivers State “, the Rivers State governor said.
On the Supreme Court judgment on the Senate President, Governor Wike said that it was historic that Rivers State was the first state hosting the Senate President for an official assignment after the landmark judgment.
Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Mr Maniah Mundra, said the foundation stone ceremony of the second train project will produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of urea fertilizer.
He said it is a replication of the first train, which also has capacity for 1.5 millilon metric tonnes. Mundra said this would bring Indorama fertilizer production to 3 million metric tones.
He said that $3.2 billion had been invested by the company over the years.
According to him, that is the highest investment by any foreign investor in the last 25 years.
