23rd October, 2010
The Vice President, Arch. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has disclosed that the present administration is desirous of intensifying bilateral relations with key countries especially the United Kingdom in its bid to address pressing issues pertaining to Nigeria’s development particularly that of the ongoing power sector reforms.
He made this disclosure while receiving the British Minister of African Affairs, Mr. Henry Bellingham, MP and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister, DFID) for International Development, responsible for Africa, Mr. Stephen O’Brien, MP, at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Thursday, October 21.
The Vice President stated that Nigeria currently has in place a power sector reform roadmap with a proper vision and plan geared at a total overhaul and revitalization of the sector, adding that the sector is very dear to the heart of the present administration and the people of Nigeria.
In his remark, the British Minister of African Affairs, noting the historical ties between the two countries stated that Nigerians in the diaspora have made remarkable contributions to the economic advancement of the UK since most of them are noted to be vibrant men and women who earn a lot of money in the UK and invest at home.
He expressed their keenness to assist in actualizing the aspirations of Nigeria’s power sector reforms amongst other areas of development.
In a related development, the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) organized a Lunch in honour of the Vice President at the Reform Club, London.
At the occasion, Arch. Sambo stated that Nigeria is a power investor’s haven with millions of potential power consumers, determined to attract high quality investors.
As such, the present administration is determined to attain power reliability and sustainability within the shortest possible time so as to catalogue the much needed development.
At the occasion, Dr. Mohan Kaul of the CBC noted that the restructuring of Nigeria’s power sector is an important priority as a means of eliminating poverty through encouraging of investments and creating jobs.
He informed the Vice President of a major power summit which will take place in London come March next year, where case studies on the sector’s reforms will be examined and investment opportunities made known to high level delegates expected to be in attendance.
Dignitaries on the entourage of the Vice President include Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoki, SAN, amongst others.
By Olokun Ayorinde
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