The Bank of Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for the establishment of Fish Industrial Parks in the Niger Delta region.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, and the Managing Director, BoI, Ms Evelyn Oputu.
Oputu said the projects were to advance the development of the Niger Delta by improving the economy and contributing significantly to the lives of the people.
She said, “Bank of Industry is partnering with the Niger Delta ministry to increase and change the pace (of development) in the Niger Delta.
“Everybody in Nigeria knows what has been happening in the region before now, and with the setting up of the ministry, we all have great hope and expectation; and we believe that this new projects mark a new beginning in the region”.
Oputu said she was proud to be a partner in the progress of the area.
Orubebe, who also spoke at the event, applauded the commitment and determination of BoI in working harmoniously with the ministry to support and develop people-oriented projects.
The minister noted that oil was a fragment of the natural resources found in the Niger Delta, stressing that the region was well endowed with other natural resources.
According to him, the establishment of the Fish Industrial Park programme will not only create wealth, but also generate employment opportunities for the youth.
Orubebe explained that the project would be established in all the nine Niger Delta states, using two states for the pilot scheme of the programme.
“The partnership will be based on mutual understanding on a 50-50 platform where BoI will contribute part of the fund that will be committed to the project,’’ he said.
Orubebe said the parks’ locations would be determined by the proximity to water and access to road.