Kwara
Nigeria
Sector
Education
The Kwara state government is looking for investors to take up equity in the International Aviation College. The project, which is already under construction, is a public-private partnership where the state government will cover the initial cost. The establishment of the college illustrates the government's dual commitment to improving Kwara’s communications and expanding educational opportunities.
Project details
Kwara State is responsible for the initial financial outlay to establish the International Aviation College (IAC) but intends seeking private investors to take equity in the undertaking once it is up and running in 2010.
The college will train pilots of all sorts to meet the high international demand which is expected to remain strong. The number of airlines operating in
Nigeria has increased exponentially in recent years. The specialist training needed for helicopter piloting (a skill very much in demand in the oil industry in Nigeria) will also be offered.
Contracts have been signed with instructors and aviation academy specialists in the United Arab Emirates with regard to the phasing in of classes and the management of the facility. Thirteen instructors have received training in South Africa in preparation for the opening of the college.
The final state percentage of ownership is intended to rest at 50%, with various private entities holding shares. In this way, the state will recoup some of its investment while at the same time bringing in the expertise of investors.
Reasons to Invest in Kwara State
Incentives: The Kwara State Government is willing to extend a number of incentives to serious investors. These include the provision of land and infrastructure, tax holidays and
assistance with obtaining financing.
Labour: Kwara State is home to the well-respected University of Ilorin and construction of the new Kwara State University was recently completed. Kwara State therefore has a large number of graduates who can be employed by companies investing in the state.
Cargo terminal: A new cargo terminal at the Ilorin International Airport will soon be completed and will allow for goods to be transported via air, both locally and internationally.
Power supply: Due to the recent completion of the Ganmo sub-station, the state capital, Ilorin, currently enjoys very close to 24 hours a day of uninterrupted power supply. Many business owners are delighted by the fact that they have to make very little use of generators.
Political will: The government of Kwara State is devoted to creating an enabling environment for business and investment. The state is also committed to continuity of
policies which will ensure that an investor friendly environment remains even after the end of the current administration's tenure.
Investment insurance: Nigeria is a member of MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) and the ICSD (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes). Potential investors are therefore insured against a wide range of non-commercial risks.
Contact Details Investors interested in this project should contact Fela Ibidapo, Special Assistant to the Executive Governor, Kwara State (Investments) at infonigeria@gan.co.za
