₦airaland Forum

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has urged the Federal Government, and investors to partner with his administration in the development of investment opportunities in the state to drive its industrialization efforts.

He highlighted the areas for collaboration to include the establishment of a world-class Eco-Industrial Park, power generation, Brass oil and gas free trade zone and the Agge Deep Sea port, among other key projects.

Governor Dickson made the plea at the second edition of the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum with the theme, “Unfolding Bayelsa State’s Industrial future,” that was declared open by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in Yenagoa.

He said the projects, when completed have the capacity to create wealth, employment generation and boost food production as well as increase the revenue profile of the State.

The governor maintained that, efforts geared towards industrializing the state’s economy have become more imperative in view of the declining economic fortunes of the country, occasioned by over-dependence on crude oil proceeds.

He called on willing investors to invest in Bayelsa, as it is endowed with abundant resources, pointing out that, it would make a good economic sense for businesses to be sited close to their sources of raw materials.

His words: “We are actually talking about an industrial park that has taken off. So, for those who are thinking and rightly so, how this wonderful concept can become a reality, we already have it in reality. It is on ground. We have Shell’s investment there of about N4 billion dollars already completed.

We also have a Federal Government’s NIPP’s project that has just been privatized, which is also very expensive. So already, we have an industrial park ready to go. All we are doing is to showcase it to the rest of the investing public and to assure everybody of our preparedness to partner going forward.”

According to Governor Dickson, a large expanse of land has already been made available as incentive for investors in power generation at Imiringi, in Ogbia local government as well as Gbarantoru in Yenagoa.

In his remarks, the Vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Ade Ipaye, called on the state government to adopt very strict codes of business ethics and zero tolerance for corruption, as vital guides in its investment drive.

He said, “investors want to see crimes under control as well as a secure and peaceful atmosphere for business. A lot of attention must therefore, be paid to the law enforcement and criminal justice sectors towards improving its speed, effectiveness and efficiency.

#BayelsaisBeautiful

The Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation said the $3.5 billion Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical project to be sited at Odioma in Brass Local Government Area is expected to generate a turnover of $1.5 billion and employ about 30, 000 workers, especially indigenes.

The firm, therefore, predicted a prosperous future for the people of the state as the corporation intensifies action on restructuring the state economy and expanding economic opportunities.

The Deputy Managing Director of BDIC, Tam Alazigha, in an interview with journalists in Yenagoa, said the new offices that were opened in South Africa, United Kingdom and Atlanta, United States, would “take Bayelsa to the world and bring the world to Bayelsa” by opening outposts in strategic locations in the various key markets in order to leverage on opportunities that the markets offer to drive the restoration of the Bayelsa economy.

He said, "The 3.5 billion dollar Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical project at Odioma, which is expected to generate turnover of $1.5bn dollars and employ about 30,000 Bayelsans. This high-impact catalytic project is expected to produce 5,000 metric tonnes of Methanol per day, 2,200 metric tonnes per day of Ammonia and 7,700 metric tonnes per day of Urea for domestic and export markets.

http://bsieforum.org.ng/blog/35-billion-brass-fertilizer-petrochemical-firm-employ-30-000-bayelsans-says-bdic

Our vision is to become a model of success in Africa’s economic success story and the objective is to grow enterprise and create jobs and prosperity for all Bayelsans.

However, our strategy has been that, to create private jobs in Bayelsa State, we need to move away from dependency on receipts from Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation to having an economy where proper value chain for opportunities abound.

That is going to be achieved as we focus on industrialisation; because when you industrialise, you create secondary and tertiary levels where people could be hooked up in the value chain. So, having determined that, we said, what will be our priority areas. The first focus area will be oil and gas industry because we already have oil exploration segment of the market going on in the state.

We are looking at industries in refining, petrochemicals and fertilizer. We are also looking at agriculture. We have very big facility for oil palm. We want to also deepen the rice farming because our terrain is ideal for rice farming. The third area we are focusing on is power generation. The reason for this is quite simple. Bayelsa State, as you may know, is oil and gas producing state. We are actually more of gas than oil.

In many ways, gas is fixed up for power generation. Our aim is to attract power generation companies to be cited in Bayelsa State and in that case, we have set aside an area called the power hub. The companies that want to do power generation can be sited in that hub.

Regular power supply will help attract businesses because power is the singular highest cost for many businesses. Tied to this is the establishment of the Eco Industrial Park which is also strategic to the state. Some people will wonder why the word Eco. It is because the environment is greener, and makes room for improved waste management. So, there is a lot of recycling activities in the state.

These are the areas we want to use as foundation in building the Bayelsa State economy and infrastructure remains an enabler in achieving this. In achieving the Eco Industrial Park, remember that the airport is due to be completed this year and there are other basic infrastructures that are already in place.

Skill development is another big area where we have work to do. There is huge skills gap. We want to ensure that our people have the right enterprise and vocational skills, to take advantage of the opportunities that abound.

Recently, we signed a Private Public Partnership (PPP) contract with Kesio building materials market. Part of that contract entails that they will set up a vocational school within the building industry market to train the youths in different vocational skills so that people will be able to take part in the market as skilled labourers.

#BayelsaontheRise

Sunset at Ox-Bow Lake in Bayelsa.

#BayelsaisBeautiful

The State Commissioner of Trade, Investment and Industry, Mr Kemela Okara, told reporters on Wednesday that he essence of the Economic Forum was to bring the world to Bayelsa State and vice-versa.

Mr Okara said that this year’s edition of the summit was intended to consolidate on the achievements made from the forum during the first edition that was held in July last year.

The Commissioner, who assured participates at the forum of a safe environment in the state, advised them to take advantage of the preparedness of the present administration to unveil the projects of the government, and enter into fruitful partnership with all interested participants.

The BSIEF is a platform through which government of Bayelsa State seeks to collaborate with the private sector to build a system where private enterprise will thrive.

According to the BSIEF’s website, this year’s forum will showcase to the world, Bayelsa State’s industrialisation plan and the consequent investment opportunities existing in the state.

The platform is also organised to unveil the proposed Eco-Industrial Park and the investment opportunities that are existent in its development, foster discussions and dialogue between projects developers, investors and financiers and the state government, encourage and facilitate investments in oil and gas and power generation among others.

http://www.channelstv.com/2015/07/29/second-edition-of-bayelsa-economic-forum-begins-in-yenagoa/

The Bayelsa State Government is on a mission to industrialize, focusing on Oil and Gas Industrial Activity, Power Generation, Agriculture and Light Manufacturing.

This informs the hosting of the Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum, a 3-day event that will showcase the industrial potential of our State to local and international investors.

Theme: Unfolding Bayelsa State’s Industrial Future

Date: July 29-31, 2015

Venue: The Banquet Hall, Melford Okilo Road, Yenogoa

Join us on our social media platforms for updates from the event.

The Eco-Industrial Park [EIP] is strategically located in close proximity to the Shell $4bn Gas Gathering Facility and the Gbarain NIPP plant. In addition, it is within a 10-minute drive from the soon-to-be completed International Airport and enjoys easy access and exit due to the excellent road network. Further, the EIP will leverage current and future power generation potential to attract diverse manufacturing businesses to be sited at the EIP.

The unveiling of the EIP will showcase a world class Eco-Industrial Park designed to meet the manufacturing needs of the 21st Century. We seek to attract Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Domestic and Industrial Plastics and Rubber, Wood and Wood products, Electrical and Electronics, Non-Metallic Mineral Products, Pulp and Paper products and other manufacturing concerns to the EIP.

The Eco-Industrial Park will provide opportunities for a wide range of manufacturing businesses and it will be unveiled during the Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum.

The theme for this year’s edition of the BSIEF is Unfolding Bayelsa State’s Industrial Future.
Date is July 29-31, 2015.
Venue is The Banquet Hall, Melford Okilo Road, Yenogoa.

Be There!

BSIEF 2015: Unfolding Bayelsa State's Industrial Future
2nd Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum
Date: 29 - 31 July 2015.
Venue: Yenogoa, Bayelsa State
Register Now
http://bsieforum.org.ng/content/register

1. What is BSIEF?
Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum (BSIEF) is an event bringing together Bayelsans, Nigerians and international investors. The forum is an interactive conference, featuring renowned keynote speakers and would include workshops, panel sessions, and interactive Q & A sessions. BSIEF would also provide a forum for international and local investors to meet one-on-one with key government officials in order for all parties to establish the necessary rapport that leads to the making of beneficial investments.
2. Where and when is BSIEF?
BSIEF will be held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State’s capital, on July 29th-31stth, 2015.
3. Why should you attend BSIEF 2015?
You would learn about wide-ranging investment opportunities. You would be contributing to the efforts of diversifying the Nigerian economy and attracting investment into Nigeria that would be of great benefit to both investors and the people of our great nation. BSIEF will aim to offer the first impartial national platform, which would allow for all key stakeholders to meet in the Niger Delta and explore the vast agricultural and other investment opportunities. You would have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions and meet with government officials, international investors and regulators and, through this, you would gain a better understanding of the Nigerian market.
4. How much does it cost to register for BSIEF 2015?
It is absolutely free. However, using the BSIEF website, you need to register for each workshop you wish to attend. Please see below.
5. How can I register for BSIEF 2015?
To register, please visit http://bsieforum.org.ng/content/register

With the successful completion of the 2014 Bayeslsa State Investment and Economic Forum, it was indeed a positive outcome for the State with;
• Over 800 registered local and international investors and delegates in attendance.
• 5 Memoranda of Understanding spanning the Power, Pharmaceuticals, Telecoms and Financing for Agriculture and SMEs signed.
• Positioning Bayelsa State as the preferred destination for Oil and Gas Industrial activity; Power Generation; Agriculture and Light Manufacturing.
• Attendance by the Vice President of Nigeria and the Ministers of Petroleum, Industry, Trade and Investment and Communication Technology.

WHY INVEST IN BAYELSA
Bayelsa State is situated at the heart of the West African rain forest in the Niger Delta. With its superb greenery, mangrove and beautiful forests, the State has an abundant supply of wildlife and fish. It is one of the most important areas in Nigeria in terms of biodiversity.
The mangrove forest of the Delta is the largest in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world, thus, contributing immensely, to the oxygen supply of planet earth. The forests, mangroves and fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of the community.
Bayelsa State has hundreds of rivers and creeks (which are tributaries of the River Niger) that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The State also has the most beautiful tourist beaches in Nigeria.
‪#‎BayelsaontheRise‬

1. What is BSIEF?
Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum (BSIEF) is an event bringing together Bayelsans, Nigerians and international investors. The forum is an interactive conference, featuring renowned keynote speakers and would include workshops, panel sessions, and interactive Q & A sessions. BSIEF would also provide a forum for international and local investors to meet one-on-one with key government officials in order for all parties to establish the necessary rapport that leads to the making of beneficial investments.

2. Where and when is BSIEF?
BSIEF will be held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State’s capital, on July 29th-31stth, 2015.

3. Why should you attend BSIEF 2015?
You would learn about wide-ranging investment opportunities. You would be contributing to the efforts of diversifying the Nigerian economy and attracting investment into Nigeria that would be of great benefit to both investors and the people of our great nation. BSIEF will aim to offer the first impartial national platform, which would allow for all key stakeholders to meet in the Niger Delta and explore the vast agricultural and other investment opportunities. You would have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions and meet with government officials, international investors and regulators and, through this, you would gain a better understanding of the Nigerian market.

4. How much does it cost to register for BSIEF 2015?
It is absolutely free. However, using the BSIEF website, you need to register for each workshop you wish to attend. Please see below.

5. How can I register for BSIEF 2015?
To register, please visit http://bsieforum.org.ng/content/register

The Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) is strategically located in close proximity to the Shell $4b Gas
Gathering Facility and the Gbarain NIPP plant.

In addition it is within 10 minutes drive from the soon to be completed International airport and enjoys easy access and exit due to the
excellent road network.

Further, the EIP will leverage current and future power generation potential to attract diverse
manufacturing businesses to be sited at the EIP.

#BayelsaontheRise

WHY INVEST IN BAYELSA
Abundance of Natural Resources
The vegetation in Bayelsa is characterized by the mangrove forest, and by arable land for cultivation of various food and cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, cocoa, rice, plantation, banana, yams, coco yams, coconut, cassava, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and pineapple. It has vast deposits of diverse solid minerals, mangroves and forests, and a reputation as being a safe place to work and live.

#BayelsaontheRise

With the successful completion of the 2014 Bayeslsa State Investment and Economic Forum, it was indeed a positive outcome for the State with;

• Over 800 registered local and international investors and delegates in attendance.

• 5 Memoranda of Understanding spanning the Power, Pharmaceuticals, Telecoms and Financing for Agriculture and SMEs signed.


• Positioning Bayelsa State as the preferred destination for Oil and Gas Industrial activity; Power Generation; Agriculture and Light Manufacturing.

• Attendance by the Vice President of Nigeria and the Ministers of Petroleum, Industry, Trade and Investment and Communication Technology.

1. Abundant Resources: Bayelsa has enormous resources, most of which are yet to be fully exploited. They include mineral, agricultural and human resources.

2. Large Market: Bayelsa offers the market in Nigeria, West Africa and the gulf of Guinea thanks to its strategic location via the Atlantic Ocean to reach the larger sub region.

3. Political Stability: Bayelsa offers a stable political environment.

4. Free Market Economy: The Government has created a favourable climate for business and industrial ventures. Administrative and bureaucratic procedures have been greatly streamlined. The Government has put in place policies and programmes that guarantee a free market economy.

5. Generation of a Robust Private Sector: The State has commenced the process for a dynamic private sector, which has assured greater responsibilities under the new economic environment.

6. Attractive Incentives: A comprehensive package of incentives has been put in place to attract investment.

7. Fast Growing Financial Sector: There is a developing banking and financial sector and joint venture arrangements in place. As a result, the investor has easy access to working capital and other credit facilities.

8. Skilled and Low Cost Labour: There is an abundance of skilled labour at an economic cost, resulting in production costs, which are among the lowest in Nigeria.

9. Infrastructure: Rapid development of physical and industrial infrastructure, in terms of transportation, communications, electricity and water supply.

10. A Motivated Government: The new Government has put development and the pursuit of sustainable investment coupled with a policy of fiscal transparency.

A Tourist’s Haven

With its superb greenery and beautiful forests, the state has an abundant supply of wildlife and fish. It is one of the most important areas in Nigeria, in terms of biodiversity. The mangrove forest of the Delta is the largest in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world, thus, contributing immensely, to the oxygen supply of planet earth.

The forests, mangroves and fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of the community. Bayelsa state has hundreds of rivers and creeks that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, and also, the most beautiful tourist beaches in Nigeria.

Bayelsa State is situated at the heart of the West African rain forest in the Niger Delta. With its superb greenery, mangrove and beautiful forests, the State has an abundant supply of wildlife and fish. It is one of the most important areas in Nigeria in terms of biodiversity.

The mangrove forest of the Delta is the largest in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world, thus, contributing immensely, to the oxygen supply of planet earth. The forests, mangroves and fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of the community.

Bayelsa State has hundreds of rivers and creeks (which are tributaries of the River Niger) that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The State also has the most beautiful tourist beaches in Nigeria.
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#‎BayelsaontheRise‬