Nigeria, according to President Muhammadu Buhari, continues to be the most viable and appealing investment destination in Africa.
He also claims that the country is well on its way to becoming the continent’s leading industrial and trading power.
The president made the remarks during a trade and investment forum at the Dubai Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
The event was organized in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission by the Nigerian-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce.
According to President Buhari’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, Nigeria is reaping the benefits of his administration’s conscious efforts to improve the country’s environment.
“Nigeria’s pavilion at Expo 2020 clearly demonstrates why we remain Africa’s most viable and appealing investment destination.
“Our location, natural resources, population, and regulations are all visible to all. Nigeria is on its way to becoming Africa’s leading industrial and trading nation.
‘”To that end, our government has prioritized policies, projects, and programs that assist private-sector investors.”
“We implemented a slew of fiscal incentives and infrastructure projects aimed at improving investment viability.”
“Despite the recent global economic downturn, Nigeria’s investment environment has greatly improved at the national and sub-regional levels,” According to Adesina, the president said.
President Buhari assured business leaders and entrepreneurs who have expressed an interest in expanding trade and investment relations with Nigeria that the government will continue to work with them to improve the business climate.
He went on to say that this was becoming increasingly important as the African Continental Free Trade Area came into full force.
“I reminded business leaders in November that the majority of Africa’s problems, whether security, economic, or corruption-related, can be traced back to our inability to domesticate the production of our most basic needs.
“I said this at the Intra Africa Trade Fair in Durban, and I blamed it on our inability to provide jobs for our teeming and dynamic youth population.”
“I am pleased that the theme of this Forum is ‘Unveiling trade and investment opportunities in Nigeria,’ and I encourage you all to keep an open mind and look beyond the challenges.”
“In this room, we have governors, ministers, and heads of government agencies who can answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns.
“We are here to support you, and I hope you will all take advantage of this opportunity to move forward with your investment decisions,” he said.
President Buhari also thanked his hosts, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi.
He praised their unwavering commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations through a variety of initiatives, partnerships, and assistance.