Abuja — The Federal Government has called on the Namibian government to facilitate the granting of operational licence to Platinum-Habib Bank, to commence operations in Namibia.

Minister of State II for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, made the appeal while on a visit to the Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, on the commencement of the agreements concluded at the Third Joint Commission Session between Nigeria and Namibia in July 2008.

A press statement released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicate that Hirse informed Pohamba that the Bank would lead other banks in Nigeria and Namibia in financing a refinery plant in Walvis Bay, for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

"The speedy granting of operational licence to Bank PHB in Namibia would hasten the refinery project, as the committee set up could not function without necessary funds, which is expected to be provided by Bank PHB and other banks," Hirse was quoted as saying.

Pohamba, in his response, said he was delighted with the outcome of the recent Third Joint Commission Session and particularly, "on the proposal for the establishment of a refinery plant in Namibia, which when completed, would not only supply its products to Namibia, but to Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana and South Africa."