In line with its re-engineering position to deepen development, the Bayelsa State Government and the International Finance & Development Corporation (IFDC) have signed a memorandum of understanding for investment in five key infrastructural projects in different parts of the State.
The USA-based IFDC is expected to mobilize funds and resources to invest and finance a 10 MTPA capacity LNG project, 35,000 – 45,000 barrels per day capacity GTL project, 500 MW Gas to Power plant and Deep Sea Port and Port city development projects in the State.
The preliminary estimated total project cost is $17.5 billion USD.
The President and CEO of IFDC, Mr. Kazi H. Ahmed mandated Mr. Michael Hartman from Germany as representative of IFDC to tidy up the investment plan and sign the agreement with the Bayelsa State Government.
Mr. Hartman who is the Chairman of Lupine accompanied by Mr. Michael C. Keeling, the Legal Advisor to IFDC and owner of Keeling Law Offices in the USA and the Managing Director/CEO of Viv Limited, Viv Tonwe Pela, an intermediary between the investors and the Bayelsa State Government based in the Niger Delta were all part of the deal that will create huge investment and jobs opportunities in the State.
On the part of Bayelsa State Government, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr. Ebieri Jones and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN signed the MoU with the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, standing as witness.
The MoU is said to have been facilitated by Mr. Enieye Tugba Wilson, a US-based Bayelsa-born facilitator who led the team of investors. He said the five projects would change the stories of Bayelsa State with huge revenue for the State and creation of about minimum 40,000 jobs in the State.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe had earlier led the IFDC visiting team to meet with the Governor, Senator Douye Diri where they briefed him on the investment opportunities.
Gov. Diri was said to have been very excited at the projects and assured the investors of the government preparedness to provide the enabling environment for the projects to commence immediately.
Photo: Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (middle), with Mr. Enieye Tugba Wilson, first on the left and Legal Advisor to IFDC, (2nd left) Michael Keeling, President and CEO of IFDC, Mr. Kazi Ahmed (2nd right) and Chairman of Lupine, Mr. Michael Hartmann.
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