Not deterred by the trends of multi-national companies exiting the shores Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on Friday expressed firm optimism in the nation’s economy, saying the country will soon become a global investment destination for investors.
The president stated this when he received a delegation from ENI, an international energy company, led by Claudio Descalzi the chief executive officer, CEO, in Abuja.
A statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity quoted the President as saying that: his administration’s vision is to turn the country into an investment destination, with strategic thinking, planning, and implementation.
He said by exploring the possibilities of innovative thinking, strategic planning, new technology, and research into best practices, his administration’s reforms aim to reposition the nation’s economy.
The president said the reforms will be sustained for the mutual benefit of investors and Nigerians.
“I have seen the need for us to continue to be leaders in this reform and create opportunities for attracting investments because the basket is getting bigger, and the participants are getting larger and more resilient.
“The fossil fuel problem is there; science and technology is taking over.
“We will still continue to assure you that we are going to be the global investment destination and I will encourage you, as one of the progressive leaders in the industry, on what our reforms have achieved.
“Please, put a timeline on that investment strategy. It will be a stimulant for the rest of the world when you put a timeline on it,” he said.
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Tinubu commended ENI’s confidence in the country for many years and for diversifying into other areas like agriculture.
“ENI, we welcome your team again. Claudio, it is an honour for me to welcome you back to your second home, Nigeria.
“Welcome back after many years. Nigeria has improved, and I am glad that you noted that we are making changes, not because of anything else but because of a very long-term vision on our investment strategy.
“Gone are the days when we feel like the captain in several ships. We have seen conflicting strategies around the world, and we are determined to champion these changes or take ourselves ahead of those changes and make reforms a priority.
“We cannot grow today’s seed with yesterday’s belief system. We have to continuously be intellectually inquisitive and reform ourselves and our way of doing things. We count on your efforts.
“And we see the effect of your belief in our partnership, not for exploitation, but for investable development. Africa is not in a begging mode but in an accelerated mode to compete and take its place with the rest of the world.
“We are open; we are ready. We are working hard on infrastructural development and to make arable land available for planting, and we are ready to partner you in every aspect of that and in innovative research,” the president said.
Descalzi said ENI will invest more in the country, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“First of all, there are lots of reasons to thank you. The first is that after 9 years, you allowed me to come back to my country. It is quite emotional.
“Secondly, not only because you found time to stay with us, but especially because you promoted a new era for Nigeria.
“You want us to attract investment, and I think that you are following the right track with your leadership. We want to come back and demonstrate that what somebody in Europe says about Nigeria, that everybody is leaving, is not true. We want to be the champion of this new era.
“We want to stay close to you; to learn and to help you in your endeavor and renew our efforts to create again a new Nigeria for everybody and I think that we trust you, and we want everybody in Europe and in different countries and everywhere to trust you and your leadership,” the CEO said.
Descalzi said the energy company has the potential to be a good ambassador for Nigeria, not only in Europe but also in other countries.
