Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday laid the foundation for the construction of the Train 2 of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited in Rivers State even as the s Governor, Nyesom Wike declared that the $3.2billion for the development of the Fertiliser and Chemicals company has made it an investor’s destination.
Performing the flag off, Senate President Bukola Saraki said with $3.2billion invested in Rivers State by the foreign investors, it shows that Rivers people are receptive to investors.
He said: “I am congratulating the people of Rivers State for creating the right environment for this investment. I like the example that Rivers people are setting for others to follow.”
ALSO READ: Nigerians need Bukola Saraki as president —Bankole
The Senate President noted that the successful production of urea in Rivers State, which is used mostly by northern farmers underscores the need for national unity.
“Urea Fertiliser products are used by farmers, especially in northern part of the country. That tells us that we must unite. We must support ourselves irrespective of party affiliation .
“Without peace, there will be no urea. For all of us in Nigeria, let’s work in the interest of our country “, he said.
The Senate President tacitly expressed his support for Wike’s second term bid declaring that he (WIKE) would be in office in 2021, when the Train two of the Fertiliser Plant would be commissioned.
Saraki said Nigeria cannot diversify the economy without developing the agricultural sector and commended the management of Indorama for supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy, promising that the National Assembly would support the growth of the plant.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesomd Wike said that Indorama has performed creditably through quality investments in the state.
He said that the Rivers State Government would sustain the creation of a peaceful environment for the protection of Indorama’s investment.
“We are beneficiaries of the dividends of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Petrochemicals Limited. We are happy with the management of the company,” he said.
The governor wondered why anyone would say that Rivers State is not safe for investments, when the Foreign Direct Investment by Indorama has hit $3.2billion.
“I am happy that within my time as Rivers State Governor, we commissioned the first train and the flag off of the second train for the Fertiliser Plant.
“If an investment of $3.2billion can be in Rivers State, how can anyone say that Rivers State is not safe. The Nigeria you are hearing is Rivers State”, he declared.
On the Supreme Court judgment on the Senate President, Governor Wike said that it is historic that Rivers State is the first state hosting the Senate President for an official assignment after the landmark judgment.
Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Mr Maniah Mundra said the second train of the fertiliser project would produce 1.5million metric tonnes of urea fertilizer.
He said it is a replication of the first train, which also has capacity for 1.5millilon metric tonnes adding that the train would bring Indorama fertilizer production to 3million metric tones.
He said that $3.2billion has been invested by the company over the years making it the highest investment by any foreign investor in the last 25 years.