Bob Dewar

Not oil but food!

It is not so well known how growing and processing food in Nigeria is on the up. Everyone thinks of Nigeria in recent decades as dependent only on oil and gas. So it was great to hear of the visit of directors of Olam Nigeria Ltd based in Commonwealth partner country Singapore. Olam was the biggest non-oil exporter from Nigeria in 2007 (over $133m). Its products have traditionally been cocoa, sesame seed and cotton. But there has been more recent news of plans to invest in a sugar refinery and wheat milling.  The company's investment so far has shown how they see long term opportunities here. They have helped rural employment and farmers' profits. Positive stuff. Making a difference for small holder farmers. Let's hope for more.

Posted at 13:04 28 October 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Finding sustainable solutions to climate change

Attended the launch of the new House of Representatives committee on climate change. A very invigorating session showing that there is ever growing awareness of the impact on Nigeria.

Important that Nigeria's voice - and that of Africa- is heard at the Copenhagen conference in December. Nigeria can be involved in finding sustainable solutions. And it stands to gain by access to adaptation funding and clean technology transfer mechanisms that will emerge from international discussions.

By the way, preliminary research by experts reveals risks of desertification, encroaching sea levels, etc. But there are real opportunities too - with the right policies high Nigerian growth can be maintained while also being 'green' and leapfrogging technologies. And there are potential benefits to Nigeria in reducing emissions by limiting deforestation and capturing and selling gas, rather than burning it off. Much to be done- but great to see Nigerian decision makers beginning to grasp the issues. 

Posted at 08:37 19 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

Opportunities for the next generation

Tuesday Wednesday19 20 August

Interesting visit by our Energy Minister and team to engage the Nigerians on issues to do with energy in the current world context- also to hear about reform in the Nigerian industry (and how we can help) and the challenges. Enabling communities at the grass roots to see direct benefits to their livelihoods from oil and gas revenue is certainly a key one. Also a short flying visit to one of the world's largest liquid natural gas plants- producing 8 per cent of the world's LNG- which shows how things can be done. Malcolm Wicks made a good speech over dinner about the need for education and training and opportunities for the next generation, so vividly shown in the Olympics. So many young Nigerians look to the UK for higher education- a great addition to our Universities and likewise good for Nigeria when they come back. Also good that more Governors running States in Nigeria are now putting more emphasis on education.

 

Posted at 11:38 28 August 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Lots of opportunities and lots of challenges......

I’ve been blogging on the High Commission website since my arrival in Nigeria I’ve been here six months now so perhaps it’s time to pause for thought.  Such an important country for Africa. Such a big country!  Over 140 million people and over 250 different ethnic groups. It’s like seeing Africa contained in one country although of course every African country is different. I seem to have been travelling non stop and still need to visit two thirds of the States in this Federal Republic (there are 36).

There are lots of opportunities and lots of challenges for the Nigerian Government - not least sorting out the Niger Delta problem with its knotty mixture of deep issues of criminality, security, poor governance and development.

My main thought, six months on, is the one I had when I first stepped off the BA flight in this new capital of Abuja. We are intertwined together, Britain and Nigeria, by history, people, shared background.  We think the same way. Nigerian people are great - the true wealth of the country, not the oil and gas however important (and sometimes distorting) those are. So it is crucial that we talk to each other and listen to each other, with mutual respect.

Secondly there’s a real opportunity right now for Nigeria to make a new start and improve the quality of what it does. In re-building institutions, services, infrastructure. Here it’s important that the UK helps by offering useful experience, skills, knowledge. In other words we should add value to what Nigeria wants to do, whether through official links or private sector.

Quality also in terms of values and integrity. Simply having the political will to roll back corruption will make a great difference. Tackling large scale corruption and taking to court those who have misused their position for personal gain will be win-win for the government. It encourages investment. It sends a signal that there is no impunity for the corrupt, however powerful they are. The people want better leadership and a better quality of life. The current President offers real hope with his vision. 

So that’s my morning reflection over my pawpaw- plus fresh orange juice. I was present at migration talks in London on Monday, which I think underline the point about us being intertwined. UK prisons have many Nigerians in them. And there are many other Nigerians who do not have legal right to remain in the UK. Equally we do want and we do value legitimate Nigerian travellers and visitors and those who are highly skilled and contribute to our economy. So it’s right that we have a regular and constructive dialogue on these issues round the table.

I am off in a few days to the UK and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be receiving President Yar’Adua and his team on his very important visit to London. The visit will be great for both countries. Will let you know how it goes!

Posted at 15:34 02 July 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[13]