DESPITE the widespread talk of recession and the apparent contraction in the Nigerian economy, the international community has not relented in exploring opportunities for cultural cooperation and cross border trade, particularly where visionary projects such as the Gracefield Island is involved.
The British Government is actively looking at Africa with a view to expanding opportunities for British companies. However, in order to achieve worthwhile result, the government through its High Commission is being very deliberate in identifying significant infrastructure project such as the Gracefield Island in Lekki, Lagos. This was highlighted during a visit by the new British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Laure Beaufils and her team to the Gracefield Island.
Receiving the diplomat, Mr Olufemi Babalola, the Chief Executive of Gravitas expressed his delight at the interest of the British Government but he also called attention to the fact that despite the international nature of the Gracefield Island reclamation and development project, there is very little involvement of British companies in this multi-million dollar project.
Mr Babalola emphasised that the recession will bottom out in the next couple of months, and it is companies and governments that are resilient that will maximise the advantages that will come with improvement in the economy.
Ms. Beaufils looks forward to a new order in world economy that will see increased trade and improved cooperation between Britain and Nigeria.