Shettima: Tinubu’s Reforms Unlocking Major Investment Opportunities

Vice President Kashim Shettima says the sweeping reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are unlocking unprecedented investment opportunities across Nigeria’s economic sectors, assuring international investors that the country is stable, transparent, and fully open for business.

Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa while receiving a high-powered delegation from the Abu Dhabi–Beijing Advanced Energy Partners (AEP) consortium, led by former senator Abu Ibrahim.

Declaring that Nigeria has “crossed the Rubicon” and is now firmly on a path of sustainable economic development, the Vice President told the delegation that the administration’s reform agenda is building investor confidence and improving the business climate.

“There is no better time to invest in Nigeria. You have come at the right time where we have been blessed with committed leadership,” Shettima said. “Be rest assured that you have invested your trust in the right nation. Nigeria is ready for business.”

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He highlighted the country’s vast natural resources, strategic population size, and expanding infrastructure base as strong pillars for long-term growth, adding that ongoing fiscal and institutional reforms are specifically targeted at attracting foreign direct investment and facilitating partnerships in key sectors.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Senator Abu Ibrahim, said the consortium is in Nigeria to explore new opportunities, particularly in the upstream oil sector and other vital areas of the economy. He noted that the visit marks a significant step toward deepening long-term investment commitments.

Also speaking, Vice President of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), QIANG Wenyu, said the team’s presence followed up on an earlier meeting with President Tinubu in Beijing in September 2024. He reaffirmed NORINCO’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Nigeria, noting that the company has spent the past year acting on its pledge to deepen cooperation.

Wenyu listed the company’s primary areas of expertise—including oil and gas, energy, mining, and defence industries—while disclosing that NORINCO’s annual turnover had climbed to $30 billion. He said Nigeria remains central to the company’s plans for strategic expansion in Africa.

The CEO of Horizon Energy Abu Dhabi, Ms. Mahra Rashed Al Suwaidi, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, attributing the firm’s renewed investment interest to the administration’s commitment to transparency and institutional stability. She said confidence in Nigeria’s leadership has grown significantly, strengthened by reforms in major institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Shamsi, urged the consortium to seize the moment, describing Nigeria as the “right place” for foreign investment. He said the Tinubu administration has advanced Nigeria–UAE relations, with non-oil trade reaching $4.3 billion in 2024.

Other officials present included AEP CEO 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.

Shettima reiterated that Nigeria’s reform-driven investment climate is primed for global partnerships, and that the administration welcomes credible investors ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities across the economy.