The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to engage in global business partnerships, saying the ongoing economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are creating new opportunities for investment and foreign direct investment. He said the current policies are designed to support economic growth, strengthen financial stability and expand access to major business 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,” he said on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Advanced Energy Partners led by Senator Abu Ibrahim during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Senator Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, expanding markets and strategic economic reforms, noting that these elements are building a stronger environment for international investors. He said the government has taken deliberate steps to make the country more attractive for sectors such as energy, oil and gas, mining, and technology. According to him, these reforms are unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development and long-term growth. “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 visitors.
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the consortium, Senator Abu Ibrahim, explained that the delegation was in Nigeria to explore major opportunities for investment in the upstream oil sector and other parts of the economy. He noted that rising interest in Nigeria reflects confidence in the administration’s economic direction and its steps to strengthen international trade.
Also speaking, the Vice President of China North Industries Corporation, Mr QIANG Wenyu, said their visit followed an earlier meeting with President Tinubu in September 2024 in Beijing. He restated the company’s commitment to working with Nigerian partners, saying NORINCO is prepared to deepen cooperation and expand its activities in the country. “For the past one year, we have been acting on that,” he said while reaffirming the company’s long-term investment plans.
He listed the company’s core areas as energy, oil and gas, defence industries and mining. He added that NORINCO recorded an annual turnover of $30 billion last year, maintaining a strong global reputation in its main sectors.
In her remarks, the CEO of Horizon Energy Abu Dhabi, Ms Mahra Rashed Al Suwaidi, praised President Tinubu’s leadership and said it has encouraged the company’s renewed interest in Nigeria. She explained that the management of key institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has further strengthened investor confidence and improved the country’s global investment profile.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Shamsi, urged the consortium to take advantage of the present opportunities, describing Nigeria as the right place for foreign investment. He said the Tinubu administration has improved economic and bilateral relations with the UAE, noting that non-oil trade between both countries reached $4.3 billion in 2024.
Others present at the meeting included the CEO of AEP, Mr Shakiru Olayinka; Mr Abiye Membere of AEP; Mr HU Keyu of China Zhenhua Oil Corporation; Mr XU Yongfeng of Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Corporation; and Mr LIANG Hongda of NORINCO African Department.
