TheCable

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has pledged to finance aviation and hospitality projects in Enugu state.

Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank, made this known during a working visit to the state government house in Enugu, on Tuesday.

He said Afreximbank and Enugu state government have identified specific areas of collaboration, some of which are the development of a hotel and terminal at the airport — with a focus on the cargo.

“I know we have identified specific areas, where we intend to quickly advance collaboration. We want to take a look at the hotel and the Conference Centre that is under development to work with you and see how quickly we can complete them,” Oramah said.

“We also are very interested in supporting the development of the new terminal at the airport and especially the cargo and, of course, using it as a base to implement and grow an agro-processing zone. The airport will be critical in getting that done.

“We also think that the work that is being done at the hospital is nice. We are working on the African Medical Centre of Excellence. We are building one in Abuja. So, it is in that spirit that we will be looking at that medical centre to see how we can bring it into the circle.”

Afreximbank president said the government is keen on exploring the development of solid minerals in Enugu state and the bank is closely monitoring to determine its potential role.

Oramah said the bank’s interest in Enugu state is rooted in Mbah’s vision and his work aligning with the bank’s objectives for the rapid development of Africa. 

According to Oramah, any positive developments in Nigeria are interconnected with the continent.

Speaking further on project partnership, Oramah said there are some infrastructural projects, “roads that not only connect us, but also all the way to Cameroun”.

“And that is why I think we have agreed that we put in place their preparation facility so that we can begin to develop bankable values for those aspects of interventions that we share as priorities,” he said. 

“I want to assure you that you can count on us because we believe in the vision you have and we believe that those things that you have identified are things that will shape this state and also our country, Nigeria, and continent.”

MBAH PLANS TO GROW ENUGU’S ECONOMY TO $30 BILLION

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, appreciated Oramah for giving Enugu state top priority in the bank’s development support and goals.

Mbah reiterated the administration’s commitment to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, adding that the state will ensure the actualisation of the infrastructure. 

He also listed the steps taken by his administration to de-risk investment and promote ease of doing business in the state.

“Our aim is to make Enugu State the premier destination for investment. We are determined to make it easy for the investors to come in,” Mbah said.

“So, we are highly impressed and very happy about the collaboration with Afreximbank and its affiliates.”

He said all that is lacking is the necessary financial support to develop the state’s projects.