Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for stronger trade and investment relations between the state and Norway, particularly in oil and gas, healthcare, education and other areas of mutual interest. Fubara made the call when the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Bæra, paid a visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The governor was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The longstanding stockfish trade between Norway and Nigeria could serve as a springboard for broader economic cooperation between the two countries. Fubara noted that the trade, which had existed for almost 100 years, remained a mutually beneficial economic relationship. He added that it could be expanded to other areas of international trade, saying, “That could be an entry point into us collaborating in other aspects of international trade.”
Fubara described Rivers as the hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, saying the state was well positioned to explore business opportunities with Norwegian companies. He identified education and healthcare as areas with potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between Rivers and Norway. The governor disclosed that the state had an agency responsible for investment and collaboration.
The agency would engage the Norwegian Embassy to identify possible areas of cooperation. Fubara further urged the Norwegian delegation to interface with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and other relevant business associations. This would enable them to exchange views on existing opportunities and future prospects.
Welcoming the ambassador on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, Fubara expressed optimism that the visit would open a new chapter in the relationship between Norway and the state. The Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Bæra, said the delegation was in Rivers to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Bæra said the visit would enable the delegation to engage stockfish importers in the state, with a view to deepening the existing relationship between Norway and Rivers. He added that engagements with key stakeholders would help identify areas of mutual economic interest and strengthen existing trade ties.
The visit by the Norwegian Ambassador and his delegation is expected to strengthen economic ties between Norway and Rivers State. The relationship between the two countries has been in existence for almost 100 years, with the stockfish trade being a major area of cooperation. Key areas of potential cooperation include oil and gas, healthcare, and education.
Key points
- Fubara calls for stronger trade ties between Rivers State and Norway
- The longstanding stockfish trade between Norway and Nigeria could serve as a springboard for broader economic cooperation
- Education and healthcare are areas with potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between Rivers and Norway
