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