Damir Miskovic, executive director of Orlean Invest, the parent company of Nigeria’s largest oil and gas port, Intels Nigeria Limited, has been appointed to oversee the Croatia embassy in Nigeria as Honourable Consul.
Miskovic, who has presented his letter to Geoffery Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the presence of directors of Missions of European Countries in Nigeria, has been in Nigeria for 25 years and has also been a Nigerian citizen for two years.
Speaking during the presentation, Miskovic said his Group, which employs over 25,000 Nigerians, has developed the biggest free zone in Nigeria, which is dedicated to supporting oil and gas industry.
“Apart from investments made in developing port infrastructure and facilities, we are also involved in future projects in Nigeria. For instance, Orlean Invest is a major investor in the Eko Atlantic City development, also known as Nigeria International Commerce City, pioneered by the Chagoury family and supported by the Lagos State Government. We are also involved in the development of mega port in Badagry, together with Maersk, MSC and others,” he said.
Commenting on his new assignment, he promised to bring Nigeria and Croatia closer by leveraging the existing cordial diplomatic relationship between both countries. “My desire is to open Embassy of Nigeria in Croatia as well as open Croatian Embassy in Nigeria. It is my wish that this diplomatic relationship contributes in developing business activities and benefits for citizens of both countries.”
Continuing, he disclosed that he had several meetings with major companies in Croatia and presented the huge and gainful opportunities in the Nigerian market. Most of them have visited the country. Some are considering investing, while one has already set up businesses in Nigeria.”
In his speech Geoffery Onyema, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister said that Miskovic has exhibited unique behavior as a Croatian, living in Nigeria for 25 years. The Minister further commended him for the work he has been doing in Nigeria, which has contributed greatly to the growth of the nation’s economy, as well as his company’s corporate social responsibility.
“Clearly, you will be an asset for Croatia as well as for Nigeria. We are here to be of any assistance if required to support you in enhancing the process of cooperation with Croatia,” Onyeama said.
Onyema believes that the plan to establish an Embassy of Croatia in Nigeria would open up opportunities for both countries.
UZOAMAKA ANAGOR-Ewuzie
