Vice President Kashim Shettima has conveyed a strong belief in Nigeria’s potential to emerge as a significant global economic player under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
This statement was made during a gathering at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Shettima welcomed a group from the Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Council, with CEO Rosie Glazerbrook at the forefront.
He emphasized that the current administration under Tinubu is dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for investment, unparalleled in its support for both domestic and international investors.
“This is being done through harnessing resources of the country’s youth population in digital technology, improving electricity supply, boosting production and manufacturing, among other initiatives of the government,” he remarked.
Shettima highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve, under Tinubu’s guidance, to leverage the nation’s youthful demographic to achieve substantial economic benefits.
He reassured that the administration would utilize the vigor of its youthful populace to steer Nigeria towards greater prosperity and progress.
Asserting Nigeria’s readiness for commercial engagement, the Vice President praised the nation’s fortune in having a leader like Tinubu, who has a solid business background and is committed to nurturing business growth.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a supportive environment for the expansion of both local and international enterprises.
“By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, and only recently, an investment bank projected that by 2075, Nigeria’s economy will be the third largest in the world.
“It shows that the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.
“So, the future belongs to Africa. If Nigeria works, Africa works.
“You have come to Nigeria at the right time—a time when a pro-business government is at the helm of affairs in the country and we are ready for business.”
In response, Glazerbrook expressed the CWEIC’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts.
She outlined upcoming CWEIC events slated for Nigeria and abroad, including the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum in London in 2025 and a similar forum planned for Nigeria later that year.
Glazerbrook affirmed the CWEIC’s intention to bolster trade and investment in Nigeria and to aid Nigerian businesses in forging stronger ties with international partners.
“We will really like to look up to where we can encourage the Nigerian government and the business community to take advantage of the commonwealth market across the 56 countries and other partners in the Middle East and North Africa,” she stated.
The event also saw the attendance of notable figures such as Zenith Bank’s Founder, Chief Jim Ovia; CWEIC’s Nigerian Chairman, Mr. Olasupo Shasore; the CWEIC’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Obinna Anyanwu; and delegates from the Council’s partner organizations and members from various sectors.
