Bayelsa, Lesotho Seeks More Partnership In Agriculture, Oil And Gas, Tourism, Others

The Government of Bayelsa State and the Kingdom of Lesotho have explored areas of economic cooperation and investment, with particular focus on agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, cold-water development, renewable energy and textile warehousing and other opportunities.

Hotnews reports that the discussions took place on Sunday at the State House in Maseru, Lesotho, during a bilateral meeting between the country’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Governor Diri said Bayelsa was interested in building mutually beneficial partnerships with Lesotho by leveraging the comparative advantages of both jurisdictions. He highlighted Bayelsa’s oil and gas resources, extensive coastline and maritime environment as major areas for possible collaboration.

Governor Diri also identified agriculture as another promising area, noting that the state’s functional cassava starch processing factory is targeted at international export, while its vast wetlands provide significant opportunities for rice production and other agricultural commodities.

The Governor stressed the need for stronger intra-African trade, noting that African countries should begin to look inward and develop commercial partnerships that enable them to benefit directly from their natural resources and expertise.

Director-General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Patience Abah, further outlined opportunities in fisheries, fish processing, cold-chain logistics, renewable energy, garment manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

On its part, Lesotho expressed interest in mutually beneficial investment partnerships, particularly in renewable energy, hydropower, digital infrastructure and the oil and gas sector. Prime Minister Matekane said Nigeria, and Bayelsa in particular, could provide valuable expertise in oil exploration and related activities.

The meeting underscored the potential for stronger economic ties between Bayelsa and Lesotho under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with both sides expressing the desire to move beyond discussions and translate the identified opportunities into concrete investments.

Following the bilateral engagement, Governor Diri participated in Lesotho’s Diamond Independence Jubilee celebrations at the National Stadium in Maseru, alongside dignitaries from across Africa and representatives of international organisations.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 6th October, 2026