Honorary Consul Abidemi Oluwagbenga Sonoiki in this interview with journalists in Lagos, highlighted strategic initiatives for Nigeria-Grenada trade and investment, HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE brings the excerpts:
I would like you to share with us how you got to become the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Grenada and what your role entails.
I went to Grenada and handed over my resume and personal profile for deliberation. All required paperwork and interviews were completed, including international security checks, as part of the due diligence and background check to ensure there were no criminal histories or records. It was an election period, two months after the new Government assumed power, I was contacted and invited to Grenada by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Trade and Investment for another thorough evaluation. The new Prime Minister was gracious and directed the confirmation of my appointment as The Honorary Consul effective immediately.
I received my letter of appointment afterward, then the journey began. Naturally, once you are appointed by a country to another country, you will need to align with your host country which includes involving the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The accreditation and processes took a while, it’s been a journey of two years so far.
My duty and responsibility is to serve as the intermediary between Grenada and Nigeria. There is the need for us to harness all the talents and skills of the people of the two nations together. My topmost 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. The consulate also delivers consular services to all Nigerians desiring traveling for business, education and leisure. Including Nigerians pursuing pathway for citizenship by enhancing seamless trade capacity and the abundance investment opportunities. We also provide firsthand information for enquires, so that they don’t get defrauded by anyone or agency.
What are some of those key initiatives that are in place to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Grenada?
The first thing when you get such a mandate is to find like minds, identify skilled people, knowledgeable individuals in economy, investment and trade experts by bringing them together. We have been able to do that. Now, we are putting together the Nigeria-Grenada Chamber of Commerce. You know, because that is the engine that would help bring all the business people together from North, South, East and West. There was nothing like that before now. We are also doing some exchange where our people will go there, some of them have been here. In April 2024, we hosted some investors from Grenada. They were in Abuja and Lagos. We spoke to them, and they took back some ideas that they are working on. We are also planning a direct flight for some Nigerian businessmen and women in October 2024. This exhibition would show case Nigerian small and medium enterprises and afford them collaborations in their various areas of interest.
In the next five years, how do you see the relationship between Nigeria and Grenada?
I want to witness a successful partnership. A partnership that will enable or afford Nigerians to make Grenada their second home and for Grenadians to make Nigeria their second home. The world has become a global market space and Nigerians who are doing business there can earn foreign Exchange (currency). We need all those foreign currencies to come to Nigeria.
Nigerians are exceptionally gifted, before my appointment, over 150 Nigerians used to travel to Grenada to study medicine. Grenada has an excellent medical college. The numbers have increased to more than 250 in the last two years. We are considering the potential of increasing it to 500 because the medical systems in America and Canada absolve roughly 1000 doctors from this college. Isn’t that one lovely? to witness Nigerians handling matters and returning money to their country. I see huge opportunities in the areas from travel and tourism to real estate investment and renewable energy. This synergy can earn us remarkable amount of foreign exchange yield
One of the major challenges in getting to Grenada from Nigeria is a lack of an air transport system. What are the plans to solve this issue?
Two airlines’ opportunities are currently in the works. One of the biggest airlines in Nigeria is almost concluding with one the Caricom State. 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 under 10 hours once everything is ready. The norm is that you will either need to travel to the United Kingdom for six or seven hours, then a layover another four hours or three hours before traveling for finally for eight or more to the destination in Grenada. Similarly, if you choose to travel via the USA as well, you will need to travel Alanta or New York then to Miami, which will take 16 to 21 hours to the Island of Grenada.
We’re bringing in financial partners (investors) to resolve this challenge, because I’ve witnessed all these obstacles. We are very definite of the possibilities of direct flight in the next 6 to 9 months.
Can you please speak on the opportunities in the finance sector that you think Nigerians can benefit?
Currently, we are in conversation with a Finnish firm that is prepared to provide Nigerians and Grenadians capital to enable them to make investments there. There are numerous small and medium size business opportunities. Ranging from service delivery like GO-kada service delivery system. Nigerians can afford themselves of franchises of some global fast-food outlets and take them there through a business visa instead of the popular “Japa”. The first mover advantage can possibility earn us some foreign investment yield. It will afford young enterprising Nigerian and Grenadians the synergy and symbiotic relationship.
Can you tell us more about the strategic importance of Grenada in the Caribbean region and its global influence?
Grenada is the pride of the Caribbean. That’s not because I am representing them. Honestly, if you take a one-week holiday there, you won’t want to come back though they need our collaboration given our business ideas and skills.
Grenada serves as a gateway to both North and South America including countries such as the United States and Canada. Grenadians have direct access to the United Kingdom are treated as citizens there. The island is an active member of the Caribbean Community (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. Globally, Grenada has established strong diplomatic and trade partnerships, contributing to its growing influence on the international stage. It’s a very peaceful country that just needs more of the fintech and banking investments and things will improve the more.
In the next five years. The Prime Minister of Grenada and the Nigerian President will be the people will be globally applauded for championing development across the globe. The opportunities for Investment and trade in Grenada are in abundance beyond human eyes.
Grenada is known for Tourism and a rich culture. What is your plan to build tourism relations between Grenada and Nigeria?
Nigerians are wealthy individuals in their own right. Tourism plays a crucial role in defining leisure time! I have visited a lot of time, and each time I have found that there is not enough housing. Short lets (Airbnb), hotels, and other accommodations are in short supply. There are huge opportunities for wealth creation in the real estate space. Reservations must be made in advance. Thus, if Nigerians can diversify their risks and see the potential in earn a lot of money. You can conduct your business in Nigeria and also expand it to Grenada. We know places in Grenada where you can develop a real estate, which is one of the major industries there.
Nigerians can make a ton of foreign exchange via real estate. Medical tourism is another area is also another cash cow. Nigerian physicians are excellent and renowned, we can forge collaboration and partnership between both countries. Waste management and renewal energy are among the few interests we can also explore.
What are the benefits of obtaining a Grenadian citizenship? And then in this age of Japa, why do you think Nigerian youths should ditch countries like the UK, and Canada and opt for Grenada?
Speaking to citizenship, if you want to be a citizen of America or Canada, you may need to be there physically for next three to five years to acquire such privilege. You don’t need to do that with Grenada which affords you access and visa free to about 150 destinations. You can become a global Citizen through Grenada in less than 6months, though through a very thorough international checks and processes.
Your access to London, Paris, Switzerland, Russia and China will become a delight and pride. You may also enjoy as much as 10 years visa access each to both America and Canada. Why would you want to be subjected to humiliation and unwarranted hardship in another country when you can enjoy the privileges in Grenada, the Pride of the Caribbean.
If yose choose to visit Grenada, to explore and experience firsthand, we will be delighted to issue appropriate entry visas before determining your next step of action.
Young talented and enterprising Nigerians can take advantage of the small business opportunities, creating sustainable wealth and preserving same for their effort and sweat.
Can you pinpoint specific education opportunities?
The St. George’s University in Grenada is a renowned medical college of repute where Canada and America select over 1,000 medical Doctors from year to year. You will agree with that this an opportunity to become a Canadian or American through medical profession. We can assist willing Nigerian student who want to become a medical student at the St. George’s University in Grenada. The Honorary Consulate of Grenada is always willing and ready to be of assistance to all Africans desirous of this journey. The opportunity to become an American or Canadian is there because given your profession as a medical doctor. You can stay, walk and live there and still find yourself in Nigeria, your home.
On trade, what’s the trade relation between Nigeria and Grenada and can you put a value to it?
If you go on the internet, you will see level of trade between Nigeria and Grenada over the years. You will also see the paradigm shift in the trade volume in the two years. We are putting effort together to enhance collaboration in export between both countries and the rest of the world. I want a situation where an exporter of spices in Nigeria can increase their volume of trade to Canada, America and Europe through continuum and synergy of both countries there by making them aggregator for the sales and distribution commodities’. You’re not just a Nigerian exporter, you’re also exporting from your partners in Grenada.
You mentioned some of the opportunities earlier, you mentioned education, tourism, and renewable energy. What are the other economic opportunities that you think Nigerian investors would be interested in?
Grenada doesn’t have volatility in terms of its currency. Their economy has been very stable over the 3 decade (30 Years). So even if you take your money there you are assured that with time, the value of your money and your investment is not eroded which is a strong economic factor Nigerians should consider. They are also very stable politically and their crime rate is less than 2 percent. I am definite you can forget or misplace your phone and go back to pick or retrieve it. Even if anything drops by, you’ll be sure that they will trace you and give it back to you.
You mentioned the Nigerian-Grenada Chamber of Commerce. When can we expect that?
We plan to announce the chamber and strengthen the partnership during a business summit that brings about 100 of Nigeria’s leading businesses to Grenada in October 2024. Additionally, an appointment with the Investment Migration Agency is scheduled simultaneously. They were in Nigeria in April to explore and exchange investment opportunities. We are definite this is the beginning of greater ties between the two countries. The world would be amaze at what we are about to do.
Did you foresee yourself attaining this role some ten years ago?
I never saw it coming. My aspiration and desire were to be the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at some point in my life. Though I left Banking in Year 2016 owing to my personal believe and position, as Deputy General Manager and Group Treasurer of the Bank. I am still very relevant in the banking space, especially with Institute of Chartered Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). I realised that I needed to reassess my strategy, so I gathered resources and began managing businesses, doing that afforded me a whole lot of travelling and meeting people which has brought me this significant milestone.
What’s your vision for the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Grenada?
We plan to intensify the synergy between both countries. You know, to ensure the growth of both economy (Nigeria and Grenada) Nigeria and Nigerians need rise to the occasion where Nigeria plays big brother to Grenada and the entire Caribbean. I desire to see Grenada and the Caribbean to be the first-choice trade partner of Nigeria in the world. If we can have a good handshake we could take both countries to greater heights, I have no doubt.
You’re the first Honorary Consul of Grenada in Nigeria. For clarity, what date and year did you assume office?
Yes, in Nigeria, the first of its kind. It was a long process. We were managing a smaller place until we got to this edifice. I assumed on the 24th of May 2022 and reconfirmation about a year ago.
We had to get credence with the Federal Government of Nigeria, and it took a while to get this done. Protocol and procedure had to be followed. You can’t just come and establish in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria will ensure all the necessary processes and affirmation are granted and given in accordance with the rules and guidelines, including a thorough background check by National Security Adviser’ office (NSA). A copy of my letter of credence is pasted on the left wall at my private lounge, which shows that we authorised and charged to assist any Grenadian in Nigeria, for any form of support and assistance as may require from time.
Lastly, do you have the number of Grenadians living in Nigeria?
About 1,000 Grenadians are registered and resident in Nigeria. It was about 200 two years ago but we are formalising a lot of things now and encouraging people to do business in Grenada.
Nobody needs to Japa again. There are abundant opportunities in the Caribbean. We can avail your appropriate visas to enable you explore the Caribbean through Grenadian business partnership. Becoming a Citizen of Grenada will also grant you greater access over 150 countries, including China, Russia, Europe, Schengen countries besides 10-year visas for both Canada and United of America.
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