By Martha Agas
Nigeria is hosting the maiden investors’ summit, tagged “Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo,” aimed at showcasing credible investment opportunities and strengthening partnerships across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy and development.
The expo scheduled to hold in Nov. 19 is organisd by EnergyNet Ltd., with support from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, whose Minister, Dele Alake, would serve as its patron.
Alake, speaking at the official inauguration of the expo on Thursday in Abuja, said the event would connect credible projects with investors and encourage stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The minister, represented by the Director-General, Mining Cadastre Office, Mr Obadiah Nkom, said Nigeria was seeking to broaden its productive base and reduce dependence on limited revenue sources through creating opportunities across multiple sectors.
The expo, he said, was timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
He said the sector required patient capital, technical expertise, modern equipment and partnerships that recognised both commercial interests and Nigeria’s development priorities, which the expo aims to facilitate.
He added that state governments would play a key role, given that mineral resources and investment projects were located within states and communities.
The state governments, he said, would have the opportunity to present bankable projects, infrastructure priorities and investment partnerships to local and international investors.
He pledged support for the event’s planning and assured investors that the Federal Government welcomed responsible investments capable of creating jobs, supporting local industries, transferring knowledge and technology and contributing to national development.
“Our support will not end with today’s launch.
“The ministry will continue to interface with EnergyNet Limited and relevant institutions throughout the preparatory period to ensure that the event is properly coordinated and capable of delivering tangible outcomes beyond speeches and ceremonial participation,” he said.
The minister urged investors, project developers, financial institutions, technology companies, professional bodies and development partners to participate actively in the preparations and the expo.
On his part, Abdoulaye Sylla, EnergyNet Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, said the initiative would bring together international partners, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers to support economic development across multiple sectors.
He said this was neccesary as Nigeria had been unable to attract foreign direct investment commensurate with its investment opportunities over the past 15 years.
He said the expo would provide a national platform for showcasing investment opportunities and accelerating projects across the country.
The programme, he said, would focus on energy, mining, infrastructure and airports, while providing opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate on investment projects.
“Nigeria now will serve the nation as the annual high-level export benchmark project delivery with a project-focused investor boardroom.
“The government of Nigeria will have the ability to review and conduct deep dives into specific projects including large-scale infrastructure and multilateral programmes,” he said.
He added that the programme would include a Youth Energy Summit aimed at engaging young Nigerians in economic and energy development.
The summit, he said, sought to demonstrate opportunities available to young people and equip them with skills needed to participate in the economy.
Also speaking, Damilola Balogun, Ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria, said the summit would ensure young people became co-creators and stakeholders in sustainable development.
Balogun said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 required empowering young people with relevant skills and career opportunities.
He said the summit would provide opportunities for young Nigerians to engage with partners and stakeholders involved in the Nigeria NOW! investment programme. (NAN)
Edited by Gabriel Yough