Nigerdock, promoters of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, has noted that its partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation would increase the adoption of green energy and drive sustainable foreign direct investments into Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani, in a statement, on Tuesday, announced that representatives of 23 companies were in a UNIDO delegation to the company’s office in Lagos to explore collaboration on domiciling investments that specialise in renewable energy, green technologies, and agribusiness.
Nigerdock is a Nigerian maritime and logistics company, operating an integrated port and free zone in Lagos.
It also provides clients with terminal operations, marine services, logistics, and free zone solutions.
Recall that in February, the company announced that it had completed the first phase of its shift to renewable energy sources through the installation of solar solutions at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone.
The company had engaged Daystar Power, a solar power company, for the development of its energy plan.
Meanwhile, Jarmakani stated that the multilateral collaboration, which was coordinated by UNIDO through the Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Germany and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, would facilitate the domiciliation of European enterprises.
“This visit represents a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between private sector companies in Nigeria and Europe. Our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s economic empowerment aligns perfectly with the goals of this mission, and we firmly believe that this collaboration will contribute to industrialisation, foreign direct investment, job creation, and increased adoption of green practices in Nigeria,” Jarmakani noted
He explained that Nigerdock had an extensive relationship with global firms and a longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic development, through investments in maritime and logistics infrastructure, sustainable projects, and clean energy initiatives.
He described the company’s free zone, SIIFZ, as a strategically located economic development area and industrial hub, providing environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective setting for global businesses that target Africa’s fastest-growing markets.
The Nigerdock boss added that the companies that formed the Private Sector Mission also specialise in sustainable packaging, circular economy, and waste management.
The PSM follows German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s visit to Nigeria, indicating a close relationship between Nigeria and Germany.
Scholz stated that there was potential for greater cooperation and investment between the two countries.
“Germany is seeking to invest across a variety of sectors, ranging from infrastructure and energy to agriculture business, mineral resources, information and communication technologies, transport, and logistics. Nigeria was Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with direct German investments in Nigeria amounting to $158m in 2021.
“The ITPO Germany is an integral part of the UNIDO. It mobilises and supports technology transfer, private sector investments, and industrial cooperation with developing countries for sustainable, private sector-led economic development,” Scholz said.
The Deputy Head of Office, UNIDO ITPO Germany, Michael Schmidt, said, “UNIDO is dedicated to industrial park development in developing countries and economies in transition, with a specific focus on result efficiency and input for eco-industrial parks.
“Our objectives and Nigerdock’s infrastructure goals present a valuable opportunity for cross-collaboration, and we look forward to further engagement regarding these initiatives,” Schmidt asserted.
