By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has called on investors to come and take advantage of available numerous opportunities in the territory which are viable to drive sustainable growth and development.
The Minister made this call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Summit held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, used the forum to assure participants that the current leadership of the FCT Administration remains resolute in ensuring that Abuja is not just the capital of Nigeria, but a beacon of sustainable development for the continent
The Minister highlighted the critical moment Nigeria faces as it advances under the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure revitalization, and job creation.
While commenting on the summit’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” Wike said it aligns with the FCT Administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business and investment.
The Minister emphasized the importance of infrastructure as a foundation for industrialization and economic development, detailing ongoing efforts to enhance road networks that connect satellite towns, area councils, and rural communities to the city center.
“As Abuja symbolizes Nigeria’s aspirations, our mission, supported by Mr. President, is to make it a safe, investment, friendly city that empowers all citizens,” the Minister added.
Wike, therefore, commended the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) for organizing a pivotal event aimed at fostering strategic partnerships for the economic growth of the FCT.
He also stressed the FCT Administration’s openness to new ideas and solutions, welcoming forums like this summit to showcase investment opportunities and engage emerging markets.
According to the minister, “FCT Administration remains steadfast in building a sustainable, flourishing capital city and enhancing Nigeria’s position on the continental and global stage.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, urged African investors to prioritize local investments, nothing that the economic growth of the continent need to be shaped by Africans themselvess.
“Make your money, but please bring it home and invest locally,” Elumelu said. “It will be a disservice to make so much and then keep the money in economies that are already developed.”
He emphasized that Africa’s economic transformation “will not be written in boardrooms in Washington or London but right here in Africa, in Nigeria, in Abuja – and it will be written by Africans.”
He disclosed that the Tony Elumelu Foundation has supported 24,000 young Africans with training and a non-refundable $5,000 seed grant, including 641 beneficiaries from the FCT.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director/CEO Abuja Investments Company Limited, Ambassador Maureen Tanuno, said the Expo aligns perfectly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda that continues to strengthen investors confidence, stabilize the micro-economy,and to stimulate sustainable growth.
She revealed that this year’s Expo convenes investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and development partners from Nigeria and around the world, including delegates from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Botswana.
Tamuno further explained that the AICL as the investment arm of the FCT Administration, had, through its subsidiaries and strategic projects, remains committed to being a catalyst for sustainable growth and economic transformation.
She said this year’s programme features dedicated youth day and women’s day to promote inclusion, connect innovators with investors, and ensure that no one is left behind.
“ABIEXPO 2025 marks the next chapter of Abuja’s transformation into a resilient, globally competitive city,” she stressed.
END.
