It is common knowledge that the United Kingdom has only two visa application centres in the country and they are located in Lagos and Abuja. Therefore, the news of the establishment of a visa application centre in Enugu state is by far a ray of sunshine.
The Enugu State government confirmed this development in a commendation message signed by Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia and said the centre will facilitate visa applications by residents not only in the state, but also in the South-East zone, and the country at large.
Onyia, also said that the establishment of a visa centre in Enugu state was part of Governor Peter Mbah’s earlier requests during the visit to Government House, Enugu, by the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, earlier in June.
“It is expected that the centre would further enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the United Kingdom, and we look forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK; as the visa centre would help cement the relationship,” the statement added.
The government also called on the people, especially residents of the south-east to avail themselves of the opportunity provided them and file for their visa applications in the state; adding that the government will ensure improved security in the state.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has expressed interest in strengthening and growing relations with the Enugu state government to boost trade, investment and other socio-economic spaces that will be of mutual benefits to both countries.
While he led a team of senior delegates from the Republic of Indonesia to the state on a business and working visit to Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, the Asian country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Harahap, announced this.
The ambassador said that such investments in the state and frequent exchange of contacts will not only join the bilateral ties together but will also create more opportunities for mutual growth and prospects of further investments.
“The potential for collaboration between Indonesia and Enugu State is immensely spanning across Enugu State in many sectors,” he said.
“Firstly, in the area of trade and investment, we see great opportunities for future growth. Our country can benefit from increased trade, the exchange of knowledge, and collaborative investment ventures,” he added.
The ambassador did not hesitate to invite Mbah and the Enugu business community to participate in the Trade Expo, which is slated to hold from 18th to 22nd October, 2023, in the city of Indonesia.
“This Expo will provide a unique platform for you to meet the Indonesia businessmen, and also be exposed to our services and business opportunities that can be mutually beneficial,” he said.
Usra, also spoke about Indonesia’s desire to invest in the energy and mining sectors in the state; noting that Enugu was rich in mineral resources, agriculture and tourism, which according to him, will serve as additional sources of revenue, and maintained that Indonesia has interests in broadening the collaboration in energy, agriculture, health sector, as well as creative economy.
In his response, Governor Peter Mbah commended the ambassador and his team for picking special economic interests in the state; adding that his administration was not only ready to partner with Indonesian investors but had also provided an enabling environment to welcome them to the state.
He further explained that the state had an array of investment opportunities such as the sector-based productivity belt, minerals and energy sector, including coal and oil and gas, with large deposits in different locations in the state.
“Enugu State is blessed with minerals such as limestone, gypsum, clay mineral, glass sand, and one of the cleanest coal deposits in the world. Over 300,000 hectares of land had been designated as a special economic zone for agro-allied processing industry and other investment prospects”. He concluded.
