British envoy pledges assistance for Nigerian oil sector development
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Gozney, has pledged the continued assistance of his government towards
the development of the oil and gas sector in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Gozney said in Uyo when he visited Governor Victor Attah to mark the World Tourism Day, that in the next four months,
14 British companies under the auspices of the Northern Offshore Federation would visit the state.
He commended Attah for the effective utilisation of the derivation funds for the initialisation and implementation of
people oriented projects in the state. He praised Attah for programmes like the Independent Power Plant, the Ibom
Meridien Hotel and Golf Course and investments in information technology.
The diplomat said the state was one of those in the Niger Delta that had used the derivation funds for the benefit of
the people. And expressed hope that with a stronger income flow to the state, it would be easier to finance other
long term projects until they became self sustaining.
In his remarks, the governor said his administration was a people-oriented one with the interest of the state
indigenes in mind, he said what informed the investment of his administration in people oriented projects, was
because it would usher in dividends of democracy.
He said his administration had invested N 70 mm in the GSM sector. And called on British companies to show interest
in information technology as his government was determined to promote the sector in line with current realities.
Attah commended the diplomat for his special interest in the state and expressed happiness at the coming visit of the
14 British companies for investment purposes.
He said it would open the state to a vista of new opportunities.
