NIGERIA DESK OFFICER DISCUSSES TRADE/INVESTMENT

UNCLAS ABUJA 000629 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/EPS, INR/AA, OES/PCI, AND EEB/ESC USDOE FOR GEORGE PERSON USDOC FOR K BURRESS USDA FOR FAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAGR EINV ENRG ETRD SENV KPWR NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA DESK OFFICER DISCUSSES TRADE/INVESTMENT WITH PLATEAU/BAUCHI GOVERNORS ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Visiting Nigeria Desk Officer and PolOff visited Plateau and Bauchi States March 19-22 and met Plateau Governor Jonah Jang and Bauchi Governor Isa Yuguda to discuss increasing trade with, and investment from, the United States in various sectors, particularly agriculture, food processing, power generation and cellular communications. Embassy officers discussed prospects for partnerships with the U.S. private sector. We also visited NGOs focusing on the environment, renewable energy, and leadership development, as well as a USG-funded HIV treatment clinic. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) The Plateau State Commissioners for Agriculture and Commerce were most interested in the prospect for outside investment in the food processing industry to help counter the high spoilage rate of produce in the agricultural sector. Specific projects proposed were the production of canned tomato paste and potato chips for export as well as domestic consumption, as these two commodities had the highest post-harvest loss rates. Also discussed were potential renewable energy projects, particularly hydroelectric and wind generation, and the desire for higher yields through biotech (seeds). Additionally, Governor Jang expressed interest in a potential tender offer for an American cellular telecommunications company to improve service. ¶3. (U) Governor Yuguda of Bauchi was joined by Senator Bala Mohammed and Representative Mohammed Sani Abdu, as well as the State Commissioner for Tourism. In addition to agriculture, energy and telecommunications, Governor Yuguda asked for U.S. direct investment in Yankari National Park to upgrade facilities to international standards, and urged potential partnerships with environmental NGOs. The next day Emboffs visited the Bauchi Meat (halal beef) Packing Company with Senator Mohammed and various local commissioners. ¶4. (U) Also in Bauchi, Emboffs toured a USG funded Global HIV/AIDS Initiative (GHAIN) anti-retroviral therapy clinic, and met the founders of Leadership Initiatives (LI),a community empowerment NGO whose Northern Nigeria Regional Leadership Development Program conducts intensive management training programs, and seeks to implement transparency and good governance principles in partnership with the private sector. LI,s projects in Maiduguri have included training in literacy, IT skills, employment and job placement, and HIV/AIDS education and disease prevention. Professor G.A. Babaji, Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU),which is partnering with LI, expressed appreciation for, and confidence in, LI,s work. LI and ATBU are collaborating with Bowie State University in Maryland, Georgetown University Law School, and Microsoft Nigeria, among others, on sustainable projects in Bauchi State. ¶5. (U) In Jos, officers visited the Environmental Resources Conservation Initiative (ERCI). ERCI promotes sustainable development through the use of renewable resources, particularly solar and biogas, by building methane composters from manure and fuel efficient stoves, while training villagers in their proper use. It is also involved in promoting eco-tourism, research and youth education to further environmental protection. ERCI is eager to find, and work with, U.S. NGOs and institutions to broaden ERCI,s reach. ¶6. (SBU) COMMENT: The two governors seemed genuinely interested in economic development and welcoming of U.S. private sector involvement and investment. What remains to be seen, as is often the case in Nigeria, is the follow-through. END COMMENT. SANDERS