By Suleiman Dalhatu

The efforts of Nasarawa State Government to make the state an investors haven could received a major boost soon from South African investors, the state deputy governor, Chief Michael John Abdul, has said.

Chief Abdul who led a delegation from Nasarawa State to South Africa for a meeting between Nigeria and South African businessmen, disclosed this in an interview on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the business forum offered the state delegation the opportunity of showcasing its potentials in the areas of power, tourism, small scale industries, agriculture, housing and infrastructure.

Chief Abdul expressed satisfaction that a lot of people (South African Investors) have showed interest and have indicated their desire to come and invest in Nasarawa State.

He said the Nasarawa State delegation made a strong case for the agricultural sector and expressed optimism that with the level of interaction with their South African counterpart, some investors might soon be in the state to exploit their fields of interest.

The forum was at the instance of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in liaison with its South African counterpart the Department of Trade and Industries (DTA).

The Nasarawa State deputy governor said the forum marks a milestone in the state government’s desire to make Nasarawa State an industrial hub and investors’ haven.

He further expressed the huge minerals deposits found in many parts of the state fascinated the South Africans who assured that they would keep in touch "apparently impressed about all they have heard and read about the state.

The deputy governor who thanked the state governor for granting them approval for the trip described it as a very unique opportunity for the state, saying that "the long-term benefit will manifest in a short time to come".

Other members that accompanied the deputy governor included president of Nasarawa State Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Usman Gambo, a Director in the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Alhaji Rilwanu Alkasim Ibrahin and an economic consultant and former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia.