Lesotho, Bayelsa Explore Economic Cooperation In Oil, Agriculture, Tourism
...Gov Diri Attends Lesotho’s 60th Independence Celebration
The governments of Lesotho and Bayelsa State have explored areas of economic cooperation and investment, with focus on agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and textile warehousing.
The discussions took place on Sunday in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, during a bilateral meeting between the country’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
Governor Diri, who recalled his earlier meeting with Prime Minister Matekane in Abuja, said Bayelsa was interested in developing partnerships that would deliver mutual economic benefits, particularly in areas where the state has comparative advantages.
He noted that Bayelsa is endowed with significant crude oil and gas resources and has the longest coastline in Nigeria, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea.
Diri said the state was also seeking opportunities to collaborate with Lesotho in oil and gas, maritime development and tourism.
According to him, Bayelsa is the location where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in Nigeria in 1956, adding that the state’s history and experience in the oil and gas industry positioned it as a strategic partner for Lesotho.
The governor also highlighted opportunities in agriculture, particularly cassava starch and rice production.
He disclosed that Bayelsa’s cassava starch extraction factory was now operational, with international export as a major target, while the state’s vast wetlands provided significant opportunities for rice production.
Diri said stronger economic ties among African countries were necessary to promote intra-African trade and reduce the continent’s dependence on countries outside Africa.
He noted that the opportunities identified during the meeting could be mutually beneficial to Lesotho and Bayelsa, but stressed the need for both sides to move quickly from discussions to implementation.
The Director-General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Patience Abah, said the state was approaching the proposed partnership within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Abah identified Bayelsa’s extensive coastline and proven gas reserves as major assets that could support collaboration with Lesotho.
She proposed partnerships in fish farming and processing, including catfish, tilapia and shrimp, as well as the development of cold-chain logistics networks linking Southern and West Africa.
She also identified opportunities in hydro and renewable energy, as well as the textile industry, suggesting that Bayelsa could serve as a strategic West African assembly, warehousing and distribution hub for Lesotho’s textile products.
Responding, Prime Minister Matekane said Lesotho was open to economic relationships and investments that would provide mutual benefits.
He stressed the importance of African countries deriving greater value from their natural resources instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished products at higher costs.
Matekane said stronger intra-African trade would enable countries on the continent to maximise their resources and strengthen their economies.
He disclosed that Lesotho was targeting 100 per cent renewable energy generation, leveraging its mountainous terrain, water resources and hydropower potential.
The Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and data-centre development, noting that Lesotho’s cool temperatures and abundant water supply could support digitised businesses and related infrastructure.
He further expressed interest in Bayelsa’s expertise in the oil and gas sector, describing the state as a potential strategic partner because of its history and experience in oil exploration and production.
Following the bilateral meeting, Governor Diri joined other African leaders and dignitaries at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Lesotho’s independence at the National Stadium in Maseru.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the King of Lesotho, King Letsie III, the King of Eswatini and his wife, representatives of the governments of Botswana and Zambia, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations.
