Lagos – The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in
Nigeria, on Thursday said that the current economic situation in Nigeria would
not force Dutch companies already in Nigeria to leave the country.
Ms Tessel Kuijten, First Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Embassy
in Lagos told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the companies
were still interested in doing business in Nigeria.
The Netherlands official said that her office had recently met with the companies,
during which they expressed their continued interest in doing business in the country.
“The over 30 Dutch companies currently in Nigeria have the conviction
that the country has a lot of opportunities now and in the future.
“Dutch companies in Nigeria see a large population and a good market in
Nigeria. They see promising potential in this country.
“Let me, therefore, say that these companies have no intention of
leaving Nigeria because of the current economic situation.
“But they would continue to watch Nigeria’s business and investment
environment on a long-term basis,’’ she said.
The Embassy’s First Secretary for Economic Affairs expressed optimism
that as soon as Nigeria’s current economic situation improved, more
Dutch companies would come to the country.
Kuijten, however, said that Nigeria’s current forex policy was
negatively affecting the interests and inflows of more Dutch companies
in coming to invest and do business in Nigeria.
According to her, many more Dutch companies interested in investing in
Nigeria are still watching to see how the new forex policy will work.
Kuijten said that it was imperative for the Federal Government to also
improve on the country’s Ease-of-Doing Business, as well as overhaul
the country’s taxation system, to attract more Dutch companies.
“There is a World Bank ranking on the Ease-of Doing Business, which
ranked Nigeria at 169 out of 189 countries.
“This and other factors are giving some Dutch companies a lot of
hesitation to come and invest in Nigeria.
“So, there are lots of uncertainties that the new Dutch companies
wanting to invest in Nigeria would like the Nigerian Government to
make favourable for their businesses,’’ she added. (NAN)