Nigerdock, UNIDO, partners to promote Nigeria’s investment with European firms

 

Nigerdock, a Nigerian maritime and logistics company, and promoter of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), recently hosted a delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of efforts to drive sustainable foreign direct investments (FDIs).

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.

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,” Maher Jarmakani, chief executive officer of Nigerdock, said.

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.

Nigeria was Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with direct German investments in Nigeria amounting to $158 million in 2021.

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.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Mission (PSM) companies, which specialise in sustainable packaging, circular economy, and waste management, came with Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, to Nigeria.

This indicates a close relationship between Nigeria and Germany and underscores the potential for greater cooperation and investment between the two countries.

ITPO Germany is an integral part of the UNIDO, and it mobilises technology transfer, private sector investments and industrial cooperation with developing countries for sustainable, private sector-led economic development.

“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,” Michael Schmidt, deputy head of office at UNIDO ITPO Germany, said.

According to him, Nigerdock’s infrastructure presents a valuable opportunity for cross-collaboration.

Nigerdock has an extensive relationship with global firms and a longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic development.

Its 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.