Ethnic and religious conflicts are "exacerbating" the strife in Nigeria, the country’s president warned today in Dublin.
Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, who is on a two day visit to Ireland, was speaking at a press briefing this evening to announce the award of a two new Nigerian electricity contracts to ESB International.
"The situation in Nigeria is peculiar to Nigeria. However Nigerians need reorientation to keep away from selfish interest and bad deeds if the country is to survive," he added.
Speaking on the contracts, President Obasanjo said the huge Nigerian population offered ESB International (ESBI) a valuable investment opportunity.
"Nigeria provides a conducive environment for investment in electricity generation and transmission," President Obasanjo said, adding that Nigeria is capable of consuming 12,000 megahertz with its current policy of electricity connection to West African countries including Togo and Niger Republic.
In a statement this evening to ireland.com, Mr Pádraig McManus, chief executive designate of the ESB, said the two new contracts testify the continued growth of the Irish electricity company.
"ESBI continues to prosper and is currently engaged in projects in 25 countries. It is a tribute to the expertise and experience of all our ESBI staff and we look forward to continuing the success for many years ahead."
The two contracts awarded by the Nigeria’s National Electric Power Authority, include carrying out a distribution planning study for the country and to provide consultancy services for the construction of as gas turbine power plant.
Both projects, which were awarded to ESBI in a joint partnership with Greek conglomerate SETE Technical Services, are to take off in July.
Mr McManus also announced that the ESB is to set up a €30,000 bursary to assist a Nigerian student to carry out higher studies in Ireland.