In a bid to wean off Abuja as the administrative and bureaucratic centre of Nigeria, investors in the private sector yesterday converged to explore ways the city can leapfrog Lagos as the commercial centre of Nigeria.
The stakeholders during the maiden Abuja Investment Summit said there is the need for the government to make policies that would enable investors tap from the investment opportunities that abound in the city.
The event with the theme ‘Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Abuja’s organized by TDF Consultants Limited in conjunction with other partners.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President Diplomatic, International affairs, Strategy and Public Sector Affairs of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Idi Hong, said the Federal Administration (FCTA) needs to promote FCT as an investment destination.
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Hong stated that the FCT is often viewed as the city for administration while Lagos is the commercial city. “The story has to change and it can only change with the firm commitment by the administration and the organized private sector to attract inward investment to the FCT.”
He gave assurance that the private sector is ready to stand to play its role to transform the city as Abuja is changing due to its infrastructure.
“What we need to do is that the summit provides us with the opportunity to suggest to the government what else is needed to support the infrastructure, and how we finance venture projects. We want to utilize the opportunity and by this time next year, there will be more robust engagement as well as participation to drive the agenda of the FCT.”
The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, said Abuja holds immense potential for economic growth and development with its strategic location, world class infrastructure and conducive business environment.
Wike, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary for Economic Planning and Revenue Generation, Bar. Charles Chinedu, adjudged Abuja to have become a hub for investment and a preferred destination for both local and international investors.
“The theme of the event is apt and timely. It reflects our commitment to harness the untapped potential that lies within our city and create an enabling environment that attracts and sustains investments. Abuja provides a diverse range of sectors that hold the promise of high returns of investment.”
He added that the administration has put in place policies aimed at facilitating investments and ensuring ease in doing business and expressed commitment to provide the necessary support and incentive to investors to ensure the success of their adventure.
In his remark, the Chief Consultant at TDF, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, said the event was organized to leverage on collaborative skills and initiatives to help government in exploring the vast and untapped economic-resource potentials the FCT is endowed.
He said this is done by bringing in the investment portfolios of the private sector with funds and the expertise to explore the available opportunities for economic growth and development of the FCT.
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