Buhari Tasks NSIA Board to Attract Investments to Nigeria

September 1, 2021
NSIA Board

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to attract more investments to the country, especially those that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

Inaugurating the third NSIA board on Wednesday in Abuja, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians.

He noted that the full impact of most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.

He described the appointment of the 9-man board as a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.

‘‘This government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.

‘‘As representatives of the federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your governing council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.

‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the governing council meetings where your performance will be assessed.

‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,” the President said.

He recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth that may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.

‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

‘‘The new board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.

‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,” he said.

The President also used the occasion to thank the last board of directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the agency, Mr Buhari said, “This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.”

Notably, the President said the immediate past board “guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world-class institution that turns out consistently good results.”

“This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking shortcuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.

“Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.

“On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.

“On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.

“Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,” he said.

The new board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South-South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director.

Adedapo Adesanya

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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