Business
Osinbajo Tasks Diaspora Nigerians On Investments
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Nigerians in Diaspora to take advantage of the country’s liberal and friendly economic environment to invest in the nation’s economy.
Osinbajo gave the challenge at a meeting with the Nigeria Initiative for Economic Development (NIED) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
The Tide source reports that NIED is an association of Nigerians in Diaspora who want to come back home and contribute to the development of the nation’s economy.
According to the acting President, the Federal Government is working hard on making the investment climate profitable and easy for those who are already doing business in the country.
“I like the idea of investors knowing that the reason why you are coming to Nigeria is not to help Nigeria, but the reason why you are coming here is because this is a good place to do business.
“And that is the only thing that will interest us and focus our minds, ultimately, it will help our country.
“But first and foremost, this is a very good place to do business and is going to be a profitable place and it will be very comfortable for all of us.’’
Osinbajo stated that the private sector had enough opportunity to contribute to the development of the nation’s economy, noting that the biggest refinery and the single largest fertilizer company in Nigeria were private sector driven.
He expressed the hope that the two multi-billion naira projects would be completed by the end of 2018 and 2019.
“Those that are already doing business will invariably bring in those who want to do business from outside the country.’’
The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enalama, who also spoke at the event, said the Buhari-led administration was committed to building market confidence and attracting investment into critical sectors of the economy.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Audu Ogbeh said that Nigeria had 45 million hectares of land waiting to be cultivated by prospective investors.
He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians in Diaspora to take advantage of various investment opportunities in the nation’s agricultural sector, saying “as of today, farmers in the country are becoming so powerful.’’
Members of the Nigeria Initiative for Economic Development, who spoke at the event, expressed their readiness to mobilise other Nigerians in Diaspora, especially those in Europe and the U.S to massively invest in Nigeria.