The Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Investment Strategy and Public Relations, Prince Humphrey Onyima, recently visited the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja. The visit aimed to establish an Enugu State-UAE Investment Corridor. Onyima was received by UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, and other embassy officials. This meeting focused on developing economic ties between Enugu State and the UAE.
Ambassador Al Shamsi has been serving as the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria since June 2023. Before his appointment, he held senior positions in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Court. The meeting with Prince Onyima explored ways to connect Enugu State with major commercial and investment centers in the UAE. These centers include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates.
The proposed investment corridor aims to create a formal mechanism for UAE investors and financial institutions to identify and participate in commercially viable projects in Enugu State. Prince Onyima explained that this initiative would link Enugu State with key investment hubs in the UAE. This connection is expected to boost economic cooperation and attract investments to Enugu State.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the Ambassador's indication that the UAE Embassy could facilitate a high-level visit to Enugu State. This visit would involve private-sector investors, operators, and institutions. Ambassador Al Shamsi mentioned that the embassy could invite private sector representatives to visit Enugu State's Governor and explore investment opportunities.
The proposed visit would allow UAE representatives to meet with Enugu State's Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and receive presentations on the state's development priorities. They would also conduct preliminary assessments of selected projects. This visit would create a platform for discussions on the conditions required to move potential projects from diplomatic engagement to actual investment implementation.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al Shamsi asked the delegation to identify Enugu State's investment interests and specify areas where the state requires UAE assistance. He assured the delegation that the Embassy is open to studying Enugu State's proposals and facilitating engagement with relevant UAE authorities and private-sector operators.
The UAE Embassy is expected to consult with the appropriate authorities and communicate its feedback to the Enugu State Government. This development marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Enugu State and the UAE. The facilitation of a high-level investment visit is expected to enhance cooperation and attract investments to Enugu State.
Key points
- UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, expressed readiness to facilitate a high-level investment visit to Enugu State.
- The proposed investment corridor aims to connect Enugu State with major commercial and investment centers in the UAE.
- The visit would allow UAE representatives to meet with Enugu State's Governor and explore investment opportunities.
