In a bid to drive sustainable foreign direct investments (FDIs), a leading maritime company in Nigeria Nigerdock, has signed a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to promote Nigeria’s investment with other European firms.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerdock, Maher Jarakani, representatives of 23 companies were among the UNIDO delegation that visited Nigerdock’s office in Lagos to explore collaboration on domiciling investments in renewable energy, green technologies, and agribusiness.
In the partnership, UNIDO is expected to drive collaboration via the Investment and Technology Promotion Office Germany (ITPO Germany) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) and facilitate the domiciliation of European enterprises in Nigeria. “This visit represents a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between private sector companies in Nigeria and Europe,” Jarmakani stated.
He said the Company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s economic empowerment aligns perfectly with the mission’s goals, and the collaboration will contribute to industrialisation, foreign direct investment, job creation, and increased adoption of green practices in Nigeria.
Valuechain gathered that in 2021, Nigeria was Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with direct German investments in Nigeria amounting to $158 million.
Further research reveals that Germany is seeking to invest across a variety of sectors ranging from infrastructure and energy to agriculture business, mineral resources, information and communication technologies, transport, and logistics in Nigeria.
ITPO Germany is an integral part of UNIDO, and it mobilizes technology transfer, private sector investments and industrial cooperation with developing countries for sustainable, private sector-led economic development.
Speaking in respect to the collaboration, the Deputy Head of Office at UNIDO, Michael Schmidt noted that Nigerdock’s infrastructure presents a “valuable opportunity for cross-collaboration and that UNIDO is dedicated to industrial park development in developing countries and economies in transition, with a specific focus on result efficiency and input for eco-industrial parks.”
It has an extensive relationship with global firms and a longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic development. The company’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) is a strategically located economic development area and industrial hub that provides an environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient and cost-effective setting for global businesses.
UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote and accelerate industrial development. Nigerdock is a leading Nigerian maritime and logistics company operating an integrated port and free zone in Lagos providing clients with terminal operations, marine services, logistics, and free zone solutions. It is also the promoter of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone.