We Are Prepared to Welcome Investments—Tinubu Tells Investors in France

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has urged foreign investors that Nigeria is ready for business, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities and ongoing reforms in the country.

The President, on his first official trip out of the country, told investors on Thursday in Paris, France, that ongoing reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rate, will be sustained for a more competitive economy that attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

“We are ready for business, prepared to welcome investments,’’ he said while receiving the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah; and President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud–Basso, in separate meetings, on the sidelines of the Summit for New Global Financing Pact.”

According to a statement by Mr Dele Alake, the President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Tinubu assured the delegation of Afreximbank executives that the federal government would continue to stimulate the economy with policies that support investments in areas of Nigeria’s competitive advantage, particularly agriculture.

“We need reforms for national survival,’’ Mr Tinubu added, noting that it would take boldness and courage to reposition the economy, calling for more collaboration to solidify the economy.

“We must stimulate recovery for the growth and prosperity of our people, which will not be far away. Nigeria is ready for global business, and our reform is total.

“Nigeria is blessed with human and material resources,’’ the President told the delegation, who had earlier listed areas of interventions to buoy the economy, like infrastructure, health, energy and agriculture.”

The President of Afreximbank, Mr Oramah, commended Mr Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy and unifying the exchange rate, assuring him of the full support of the financial and development institution on the ongoing reforms.