By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
In a move aimed at accelerating the level of economic growth in the nation’s capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike is to Flag off no fewer than 9 major projects in Abuja next week.
Wike made this known in Abuja on Wednesday at the maiden edition of the Abuja Investment Summit organised by Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL).
He described the 9 major projects as a step that would undoubtedly enhance investment opportunities in the FCT.
The Minister stressed the need for interested investors to explore the myriad investment opportunities in the FCT, as there is a place in real estate development, technology incubation, or agro- business for them.
He stated that Abuja is not just the political capital of Nigeria, as it is a place of opportunities waiting to be harnessed, said the Summit is aimed at promoting investment opportunities in FCT as well as creating a platform for networking among investors from within Nigeria and beyond.
“By forging strong partnerships, we not only pool resources but also leverage diverse expertise and insights that drive innovation and efficiency.
“Our unique position, strategic location, and growing population create a fertile ground for investment across various sectors including real estate, technology. agriculture, healthcare, tourism, construction mining and renewable energy.
“We recognize that infrastructure is the backbone of any successful investment. That is why we have prioritized the development of roads, transportation networks, and utilities to ensure seamless connectivity within the territory.
“From bustling urban areas to our beautiful rural communities, we are committed to improving infrastructure to enhance accessibility and attract investments.
“In fact, we will flag off the constriction of 9 major projects next week, which will undoubtedly enhance investment opportunities across the Territory.
“Besides infrastructure and security, we are also focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. We have launched several initiatives to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of our economy.
“I want to emphasize that the FCT is open for business. We have streamlined our processes to make it easier for investors to set up and operate. The Abuja Investment Company Limited and the Abuja Enterprise Agency have facilitated partnerships and supported investors, ensuring you receive the necessary guidance at every step of your investment journey”, the minister stated.
He commended the AICL Group Managing Director, and her dedicated team for their initiative in organising the summit, which exemplifies the Administration’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment in the nation’s capital.
In his keynote address, Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo described the Summit as unique initiative, as it signals the transition of Abuja from its political city to an investment and business hub, which says quite a whole lot about the pathway to the future for Nigeria.
According to him:”I’m not a fan of investment promotion activities, because the investors are not just interested in what you say, they are interested more in what you do, the ease of doing business.
“Sometimes, the investors have more information about the place than even what you are providing them and they often think about what we say to them at the fancy places in London and so on as nothing but propaganda.
“But here, I want to believe, and from what I have seen so far, that the Abuja Investment Summit will be pioneering a new approach to where you bring in the investors and the businesses.
“Maybe the pre-feasibility studies on some of them on display, so that actual investors will interrogate them and then be able to say, I’m interested in this, I’m interested in that, and so on.
“And perhaps the next year’s own, I would like to say that the goodwill messages will be delivered not by politicians, but by actual investors who have closed deals this year. That will be the way to demonstrate that this year’s own has produced any report, any result.”
Ealier in her welcome remarks, ambassador Maureen Tamuno, AICL’s Group Managing
Director, expressed confidence that the crop of carefully selected and notable panelists would provide insightful and thought-provoking ideas that would break new grounds for economic prosperity for the company and participating investors.
She added that discussions at the event would inspire us to think bigger to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business and investment.
She assured of AICL’s commitment to build on the Summit’s momentum for a prosperous and innovative future.
The event with the theme, “Optimising Investments Through Partnership,” Was graced by stakeholders which include ministers, members of the national assembly, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other major players in the built industry.
