Abuja, Nigeria – The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to engage with international investors, noting that ongoing reforms by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are creating new avenues for foreign investment across multiple sectors.
“There is no better time to invest in Nigeria. You have come at the right time, where we have been blessed with committed leadership,” VP Shettima declared on Tuesday during a courtesy visit from the Advanced Energy Partners (AEP) delegation, led by Senator Abu Ibrahim, to the Presidential Villa.
Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, the Vice President emphasized that the Tinubu administration, through targeted policies and interventions, is fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI).
“Be rest assured that you have invested your trust in the right nation. Nigeria is ready for business. We have crossed the Rubicon and are now on the path of sustainable development,” he told the delegation.
Foreign Delegation Seeks Investment Opportunities
Senator Abu Ibrahim explained that the delegation was in Nigeria to explore major investment opportunities in the upstream oil industry and other sectors of the economy.
Representatives from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), led by VP QIANG Wenyu, reiterated the company’s commitment to expand operations in Nigeria, building on a prior meeting with President Tinubu in Beijing in September 2024. NORINCO, with a reported annual turnover of $30 billion, specializes in energy, oil & gas, defense industries, and mining.
Similarly, Ms. Mahra Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Horizon Energy Abu Dhabi, praised the leadership of President Tinubu and expressed confidence in investing in Nigeria, highlighting the effective management of key institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Shamsi, encouraged the consortium to proceed with investments, describing Nigeria as the “right place” for foreign investment and the Tinubu administration as the “right government.” He noted that strengthened bilateral ties have resulted in $4.3 billion in non-oil trade between the UAE and Nigeria in 2024.
The meeting also included other key representatives from AEP and Chinese firms, including China Zhenhua Oil Corporation, Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Corporation, and NORINCO African Department, underscoring a collaborative approach to future investments in Nigeria.
