Envoy seeks to boost investment exchange between Nigeria, Grenada

Honorary Consul, Consulate of Grenada in Nigeria, Abidemi Sonoiki, has expressed the need for increased investment exchange between Nigeria and Grenada.

While speaking at a media parley, he stated significant investment opportunity areas in travel, tourism, delivery service systems, real estate, banking, fin-tech and renewable energy in Grenada. He added that there are ongoing conversations with a Finnish firm to provide capital funding for Nigerians and Grenadians to do business.

He noted that talks are ongoing to have direct flights to that region to save cost, time and for ease of business, while also calling for investment in that sector.

“Two airlines’ opportunities are currently in the works. One of the biggest airlines in Nigeria is almost concluding with one of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) States. We are also working on a wet lease arrangement for a direct flight from Nigeria to Grenada. This will enable Nigerians and Africans to fly directly from here to Grenada in under 10 hours.

“The norm is that you will either need to travel to the United Kingdom for six or seven hours, then a layover another four or three (3) hours before traveling for another eight or more hours to Grenada. Similarly, if you choose to travel via America, you will need to travel to Atlanta or New York then to Miami, which will take 16 to 21 hours to the Island of Grenada,” he said.

Stating that the consulate is putting together the Nigeria-Grenada Chamber of Commerce to cater to business needs and promoting investment exchange, Sonoiki added that they would hold an exhibition in October, which would showcase Nigerian small and medium enterprises and allow collaborations from Grenada in interest areas.

He noted that Grenada doesn’t have volatility in terms of its currency, as their economy has been stable for over 30 years, adding they have a stable political environment and minimal crime rate.

According to him, Grenada serves as a gateway to both North and South America. They have direct access to the United Kingdom and are treated as citizens there. The island is an active member of the CARICOM and plays a pivotal role in regional, economic and security initiatives. The current Prime Minister of Grenada is the one championing the development that’s going on in the Caribbean.

He explained that a Grenadian citizenship allows access to 150 visa free countries including America, UK and Canada and one can become a global citizen from Grenada within six months.

On the level of exchange between both countries, he said that previously, about 150 Nigerians used to travel to Grenada to study medicine, but the numbers have increased to more than 250 in the last two years. He added that about 1,000 Grenadians are registered and resident in Nigeria, as against 200 two years ago.

“Nobody needs to ‘Japa’ again. There are abundant opportunities in the Caribbean. We can avail your appropriate visas to enable you to explore the Caribbean through Grenadian business partnership. Becoming a Citizen of Grenada will also grant you greater access to over 150 countries, including China, Russia, Europe, Schengen countries besides 10 year visas for both Canada and the United of America,” he added.

While stating his duty as an intermediary between both countries, he noted the need to harness talents and skills within the nations. Sonoiki explained that his priority is to promote investment and trade, and to foster collaboration in areas such as education, health, tourism, culture, cross-cultural interactions, ideas and talent sharing, waste management and other critical areas.