[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1030-E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, in April, I visited West Africa as part of 
the Congressional Delegation led by our Republican Conference Chairman, 
Mr. Watts of Oklahoma. Among the most successful components of the 
delegation's mission was a visit to Nigeria, and, more specifically, a 
meeting with various Nigerian governors. The meeting took place on 
April 7th in Abuja, the capital city.
  I had the good fortune of being seated beside Governor Alhaji 
Abubakar Habu Hashidu, the Executive Governor of Gombe State. Our 
discussions afforded me a more complete understanding of the numerous 
opportunities for American business investment in the particular region 
of Nigeria represented by Gov. Hashidu. Regional investments in the 
education system there, along with infrastructure modernization and 
utility enhancement suggest a genuine effort to promote foreign 
investment, particularly among American entrepreneurs. I found Gov. 
Hashidu to be an earnest spokesman for his state, and sincere in his 
desire to strengthen friendships between his constituency and the 
American people.
  Mr. Speaker, I retain in my office a full report on the investment 
potentials of Gombe State, Nigeria. On behalf of this House, I 
personally received the document directly from Gov. Hashidu. By these 
remarks, I serve notice of the availability of the report to each of 
our colleagues as I have already delivered copies to Members who have 
indicated interest in its contents.
  In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, I hereby submit for the Record, the 
introductory remarks of Gov. Hashidu which accompany the report, and 
which were presented to the delegation in Abuja. Gov. Hashidu's 
comments fully summarize his commitment, and that of his government, to 
economic expansion in Gombe State. His observations should be 
considered by every Member of Congress and I humbly beg this body's 
attention in this important matter.

 Address by His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu the Executive 
 Governor of Gombe State Delivered to the Delegation of the Members of 
the United States House of Representatives Led by Rep. Jessy Watts, Jr. 
                       on 7th April 2001 at Abuja

       Hon. Members of Congress, let me start by, welcoming this 
     esteemed group of Congress men and women of the United States 
     of America, led by Rep. J.C. Watts, Jr.
       Your visit to Nigeria at this crucial time of our 
     democratic experiment is most welcome. Our system of 
     Government which is tailored along the United States 
     Presidential system with both Senate and House of 
     Representatives having their clear Legislative Schedules, has 
     been an interesting experience. The various actors in the new 
     democratic project are committed to the success of the 
     experiment. So far, the three arms of Government have shown 
     tolerance and understanding in the principles of power 
     sharing. The experience has been very stimulating and it has 
     the capacity for that providing opportunities to exploit our 
     potentials. We have recognised this fact and we are making 
     effort to reap the dividends of democracy.
       We in Gombe State are a dynamic group who have been noted 
     for hard work. The State is endowed with abundant 
     agricultural land and adequate water resources for irrigated 
     agriculture. These have provided us with a strong base for 
     food and cash crop production. The main cash crop is cotton. 
     Cotton production has been an age long occupation that was 
     recognised and encouraged by the British Cotton Growing 
     Association with a ginnery established since 1956. All the 
     districts in Gombe State have established cotton markets for 
     a very long time. Cotton production has increased 
     tremendously in the state in recent time due to the positive 
     approach adopted by the new democratic Government. For 
     example, production has improved from 10,000 metric tons in 
     1999 to 50,000 tons in 2000. Government is planning to boost 
     production to 100,000 tons in 2001.
       Beside cotton, Gombe State is endowed with other 
     agricultural raw materials and solid mineral resources. Huge 
     quantities of crops that can adequately be used as raw 
     materials by industry and also be consumed directly by house 
     holds are grown annually in the state. Gombe State has the 
     2nd largest produce market in the North of Nigeria, second 
     only to Kano, the commercial nerve centre of the North.
       There have been various efforts to harness these 
     agricultural produce but we are limited by capital 
     application. Presently, apart from the two privately owned 
     Cotton Ginneries in Gombe and the Mango and Tomato processing 
     factory at Kumo, there are no end user industries to utilise 
     these huge quantities of raw materials grown in the State 
     annually. A substantial portion is therefore being sold out 
     and transported daily to other parts of the country for 
     domestic/industrial uses. We therefore need investors to come 
     and invest in this sector in the State.
       In terms of Solid Minerals, Gombe State is endowed with 
     over thirty-five (35) different varieties of Solid Minerals 
     which are suspected to exist in large commercial quantities 
     underground all over the State. However, some of these 
     minerals have been explored and are currently being utilised 
     by the few companies
       From the foregoing it is clear, our economic potentials are 
     quite enormous. The only inhibiting factor is lack of 
     industrial base. This is why our Administration is committed 
     to the industrial development of the State. Already the 
     National privatisation exercise has opened the door for 
     potential investors to try their hands in the abundant 
     opportunities in the country. We in Gombe State are eager to 
     receive such investors with generous incentives. For example, 
     Government will provide free land for any genuine investor 
     that is ready to establish a factory here. We shall equally 
     grant such investor a five year tax holiday. These and other 
     generous terms awaits any willing investors(s).
       Having mentioned these potentials I foresee a good business 
     future for any investor from the United States who is willing 
     to invest here. We have a dynamic group of dedicated civil 
     servants who are committed to the developmental needs of the 
     young State. The Community is peace loving and industrious. 
     The security situation is excellent. Power supply is very 
     stable and communication is good. When all these are added to 
     the abundant cheap raw materials available.

[[Page E1031]]

     Gombe State would pass the test of any entrepreneur. I 
     therefore urge you to give us a trial I am sure you will be 
     convinced.
       Honourable Members of Congress, this is an exiting time for 
     me and the People of Gombe state. A time that provides me the 
     opportunity to present the investment potentials of this 
     young State to the World's biggest economy. As I count on 
     your assistance, I look forward to a dynamic future with huge 
     investments from the United States of America. I therefore 
     urge you to spare a few minutes and scan through this 
     brochure so as to acquaint yourselves with some of our 
     potentials.
       Thank you and God Bless.

       

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