Belgian Envoy Advocates Improvement in Nigeria's Oil Refining Capacity

Belgian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stephane De Loecker has said that trade relations in oil between his country and Nigeria have been more favorable to Belgium and called for improvement in Nigeria’s refining capacity.

“The problem for Nigeria is it is exporting tremendous amount of oil to Belgium which is refined and re-exported to Nigeria”, stated the envoy, noting that although his country is benefiting from the transaction, Nigeria should take steps to address the situation.

Mr. Loecker who noted that the queues in filling stations around the country do not project the oil – rich country positively pointed out that improving Nigeria’s refineries would save a lot of forex.

The ambassador who made the remark during a visit to the governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano, maintained that relations between his country and Nigeria have been very warm.

He assured that Belgium and indeed the European Union would continue to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the security issue affecting parts of Northern Nigeria, pledging that his country will also support the Federal government’s economic diversification drive.

Mr. Loecker described Kano as very important to his country in view of its commercial status and its agricultural potentials, saying his country is desirous of partnering with the state in agricultural development, in view of Begium’s expertise in crop production and raising livestock.

In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje told the envoy that Kano will provide enabling environment for Belgian Direct foreign Investment, especially in agricultural production and processing.

 

Dr. Ganduje stated that the state is taking advantage of the Federal government’s new food policy which aims to halt importation of rice and wheat, adding that Kano has vast water resources and arable land which could be exploited by Belgian investors for mutual benefit.

“Corruption used to scare away investors from Nigeria in the past but the Buhari administration is now zero tolerant to corruption. Stolen money is being returned to the country and the government is working with our neighbors and the EU, among other partners, to ensure security”, the governor assured, emphasizing that the business climate in Nigeria has greatly improved recently.

 

Ameen K. Yassar,

Press Secretary

to the Exec. Gov.,

Kano state,

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